6. Code of Practice For Distinction In Building Awards

Introduction

The purpose of this Code of Practice is to provide information on the Council's annual Distinction in Building Awards Scheme and to set out the procedures involved in administering the Scheme.

Aim of the Scheme

To encourage high standards of design and craftsmanship in developments in Worthing, and to give public recognition to excellence in building.

Nature of Award

A cast metal plaque for affixing to the building, and a certificate presented by the Mayor.

What is Eligible?

Building projects completed in the year 1st January to 31st December within the Worthing Borough. There are 6 categories:

• Category A - Commercial & other uses - to include new buildings, extensions and alterations or conversions. "Other uses" includes public or voluntary sector developments which are not strictly commercial in nature;
  
• Category B - New residential development - this may be one house, a new estate or a conversion of a building to residential use;
  
• Category C - Residential Extensions - for an extension that is sympathetic to the existing dwelling and surrounding street scene;
  
• Category D - Shopfronts - to be awarded to a high quality shopfront that is in keeping with the host building and surrounding area;
  
• Category E - Building Restoration - to be awarded to a sympathetic and high quality restoration/refurbishment scheme for any listed building or a local interest building
  
• Category F - Access for Disabled People - for schemes where the design greatly assists access for disabled people, either as a new building or conversion project.

Projects designed or commissioned by Worthing Borough Council are not eligible for an award. 

Who May Nominate

Any individual, group, or society may nominate any number of projects.

How to Nominate

By completion of a separate nomination form for each project to be returned to the Executive Head of Planning, Regeneration & Wellbeing. Nominations should be supported by a brief statement of why the project is considered worthy of an award.

Assessment

Assessment is by an awards panel including the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and one other Member of Worthing Borough Council's Planning Committee; the Executive Head of Planning Regeneration and Wellbeing; a representative of the Conservation Area Advisory Committee; and a representative of the Worthing Society.

Administration of the Scheme

The Scheme will be administered according to the following time-table: 

End of December

Deadline for the completion of works (i.e. to qualify, a project must be complete by the end of Demember)

January - February

The Council publicises the Scheme widely. Nominations are sought from individuals, groups, organizations and the Planning Committee.

End March

Deadline for the receipt of nominations.

April - May

The Awards Panel is convened to assess the nominations and draw up a shortlist & agree award winners.

June

All award winners, those nominating projects and the Planning Committee are informed of the Panel's decision.

The awards are publicised widely by the Council.

Plaques are ordered and Certificates are prepared.

Arrangements are made for presentation of the awards.  The media are invited.

July

The certificates are presented at Full Council by the Mayor and plaques are presented at each project site.

For further information and advice please contact Planning: -

Tel: 01903 221363
Email: planning@worthing.gov.uk


A leaflet version of this Code of Practice is available in large print from our office.

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