The search is on again for the best new and restored buildings in the Chilterns. The annual Chilterns Buildings Design Awards competition seeks entries from home-owners, architects and developers who are proud of the work they have done. The Awards are offered by the Chilterns Conservation Board and the Chiltern Society, two organisations dedicated to safeguarding what’s best in the Chilterns, one of the most outstanding areas of countryside in England, and to encourage high standards for new development.
Colin White, Planning Officer at the Conservation Board said, “We want to encourage better building design, and … use of traditional, local materials and designs. We are not trying to turn back the clock, or to prevent progress, but we do believe that new buildings in the Chilterns should fit in with the style and scale of their environment.”
Last year’s winner was a modern contemporary house in Little Chalfont, and runners-up included a refurbished former Rothschild house in Aston Clinton and an extension to a house in Chalfont St Giles.
The closing date for entries or nominations is Tuesday 1 March 2011. Application forms and further information are available from the Conservation Board office call 01844 355500, email office@chilternsaonb.org or from the Chiltern Society, White Hill Centre, Chesham call 01494 771250, email office@chilternsociety.org.uk.
The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) was designated in 1965 and covers 833 square kilometres (326 square miles) stretching from Goring in Oxfordshire, to near Hitchin in Hertfordshire, with a resident population of 80,000. It is one of 38 AONBs in England and Wales.
The Conservation Board was set up following the passing of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, to conserve and enhance the natural beauty and increase awareness and understanding of the Chilterns AONB. The Board, which also aims to foster the social and economic well being of local communities, is supported by all local authorities in the area and by Natural England, the National Trust and the Chiltern Society.
The Chiltern Society was founded in 1965 with the sole aim of conserving the character of the Chilterns in four counties comprising 600 square miles. It is run by volunteers for the benefit of all who live, work or visit the Chilterns for recreation. The Society has more than 7,250 members including many corporate members such as Parish and Town Councils and amenity societies. Volunteers organise groups to tackle essential environmental work.