Housebuilder receives award for high quality new build scheme

Frank Haslam Milan West Midlands (FHM), which forms part of the Keepmoat group, is celebrating after scooping a gong for the high quality of one of its new build schemes.

The Coleshill-based regeneration specialist was highly commended in the ‘best development’ category of the LABC New Home Warranty Awards for Excellence 2009.

The judges were “extremely impressed” with FHM’s development at Adkinson Avenue in Dunchurch which has delivered 25 new build properties on behalf of Rugby Borough Council.

The £3 million scheme was commended due to the quality of FHM’s building regulations and standards as well as the sustainable aspects of the designs.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, FHM commissioned a wildlife survey before work could get under way, and as a result, worked hard to preserve a habitat for Pipistrelle bats.

The bats are an endangered species and protected by law, and as a result, FHM and Rugby Borough Council followed a set of guidelines set by Natural England and planned the demolition and build programme around the roosting and hibernation periods of the bats.

Apart from protecting wildlife, the ECO homes “Good” standard was also achieved on these properties and a welcome pack was given to each tenant to encourage them to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. The welcome pack includes tips around handling waste and recycling, local bus and cycle route information and details about how to save power and reduce household bills.

FHM were also commended for maintaining high levels of health and safety throughout the contract.FHM entered the LABC NHW Awards after deciding to use LABC to carry out building control and LABC New Home Warranty’s services on the Adkinson Avenue scheme, having previously used NHBC.

Rob Atkins, FHM’s Technical Co-ordinator, said: “This was FHM’s first development using the LABC for building control and LABC New Home Warranty, and we were very impressed with the professionalism we received.

“Good relations with the LABC NHW team were established at a very early stage which helped immensely when delivering this high calibre and very important project for FHM.

“As a company, FHM is a fast growing business with high aspirations when it comes to competing in the new build property market.

“Winning this award is just fantastic and demonstrates how our dedicated and enthusiastic new build team strives to produce exceptional social housing which is beyond the expectations of our clients.”

Kate Hughes, Marketing Manager for LABC NHW, said: “LABC New Home Warranty understands how difficult operating in the construction market has been over the last 12 months, and we want to recognise and reward the companies and individuals who have truly stood out from the crowd by continuing to embrace customer service, high quality design and build as well as tackling environmental issues during these times.”