The teams behind Norfolk housing projects that put the emphasis on security were praised for their role in helping to cut crime at an awards ceremony last week.

The teams behind Norfolk housing projects that put the emphasis on security were praised for their role in helping to cut crime at an awards ceremony last week.

Architects, builders, developers, housing association representatives and other guests joined Norfolk Chief Constable Andy Hayman at Park Farm Country Hotel, Hethersett, for the fourth annual Secured By Design Outstanding Awards on Tuesday evening.

Secured By Design is a national standard that encourages the building industry to adopt crime-prevention guidelines in both house and estate design.

Mick Simms, Norfolk Constabulary's architectural liaison officer, said: "In order to qualify for an Outstanding Award nomination, those involved with the develop-ment must not only have attained standard certification but also shown a commitment to Secured by Design above the normal level."

The Chief Constable praised the nominees for all their work in helping to make people feel more secure in their homes. He said Secured By Design was "a tremendous project" that made sure words were turned into actions.

He also thanked sponsors Jewson, Hamilton Acorn and Breckland Print Solutions for their support.

Winner of the Sheltered Accommodation category was Castle Green, Gorleston, built for Norwich Community Health Partnership by Badger Building. The architect was Ian Garrett.

It was described as "a well thought out development combining all the elements of Secured By Design to produce a safe facility for both residents and staff".

Runner-up was St Martin's in Gas Hill, Norwich, built for Broadland Housing Association by J S Hay. The architect was David Marris.

The Small Development category was won by Phase Two of Spencer Close, North Elmham, for Peddars Way Housing Association and built by Sindall/Lovell.

The architect, David Kemp, died in April after a long illness. His practice in Mitre Tavern Yard, North Walsham, is being continued by his business partner under the name of Michael P Coe Architectural Services.

Mr Simms said Mr Kemp's death was a great loss and paid tribute to his significant commitment to Secured By Design standards.

Of the winning development, he said: "At the planning stage I was involved in discussions to divert an inappropriate footpath. The resulting development is safe and secure for the residents."

Runners-up were Dewdrop Close, Pound Lane, Heacham (architect – Richard Pike Associates; builder – E N Suiter & Sons; client – Broadland Housing Association); Parker's Road, Mattishall (architect – Johnson & Associates; builder – Lovell; client – Flagship Housing Group); and Crane Close/Johnson Close, Dereham (architect – Levitt Partnership; builder – Mansell Construction Services; client – Peddars Way Housing Association).

There were joint winners in the Large Development category. One was King's Priory, London Road, King's Lynn, designed by Levitt Partnership and built by Mansell Construction Services for Peddars Way Housing Association.

Mr Simms said: "Built in a conservation area, this develop-ment was initially considered impossible to achieve Secured By Design. However, through consultation and negotiation it has evolved into a superb example of what can be achieved."

Sharing the top spot was a staff accommodation building at the new Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney, designed by Tooley and Foster Partnership and built by Rydon Construction for the hospital trust.

Mr Simms said: "Early consultation with the architects with regard to Secured By Design requirements, and great co-operation with the site manager resulting in further improvements to lighting and fencing, have combined to produce a development which is an asset to the hospital."

The runners-up were Wylde Croft, Thorpe Marriott (architect – Calford Seadon; builder – Partnerships First) and a number of Norwich regeneration projects including Kinghorn Road (architect – Norwich City Architectural Services; builder – Jackson Construction; client – Orbit Housing Association).

The guest speaker was Mike Shields, a chief inspector with Suffolk Constabulary currently seconded to the Government Office for the East of England.

For further details about Secured By Design call 01953 424016.