CPRE Leicestershire

The Leicestershire Branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) presented its first Design Awards at a meeting in Leicester's Guildhall on 12th October 2006. Sir Max Hastings, President of CPRE, gave a speech to an audience from across the county before presenting the awards and commending several other entries.

There were two awards in the category of 'Restoration of an Historic Building'. The ruins of Grace Dieu Priory have been carefully stabilised in recent years and a system of paths has been created through the Priory ruins, accessed through local woodland that includes the remaining earthworks from a disused railway and canal running adjacent to the site. This scheme has helped to create good public access to a site of special significance, both now and for future generations.

The Sir John Moore School, Coach House and landscaping at Appleby Magna also received an award. This is a Grade I listed building built in the 1690's and now home to the village primary school, a heritage centre and an online centre for community meetings and IT training. The judges felt this was a good example of a sensitive restoration of the complex to include uses important to a rural community in the modern age.

In the category of 'group of new buildings within an urban village or rural area', the Award went to the development at 55-69 Main Street, Markfield. Completed in 2004, this development occupies a former factory site in the centre of the village. Faced in local stone the houses are in keeping with the style and materials of the area. They occupy an important central position in the village, strengthening and developing its character.

Finally, in the category of 'Restoration of a Public Park or other public space' an Award was made to the Burton on the Wolds Plantation. This 4 acre woodland site is close to the centre of the village. Bought by the villagers themselves and managed by them, it has created public access to a rich and varied habitat on the village doorstep. The judges felt it was a good example of the aims of CPRE in action.

As part of the celebrations for its 70th year, Leicestershire CPRE invited nominations for the Design Awards scheme for the first time. This is an established scheme run by various CPRE County Branches and the intention is to run the scheme annually in Leicestershire in the future.