Crest Nicholson, which is currently building the Blenheim Square and Clarion Gate developments in Essex, has beaten stiff competition to be crowned ‘Sustainable Housebuilder of the Year’ at the 2011 Housebuilder Awards.

The highly coveted accolade recognises Crest Nicholson’s ongoing commitment to sustainable development, as well as its success in balancing economic, environmental and social considerations to deliver sustainable mixed-use communities.

Annette Cole, Sales & Marketing Director for Crest Nicholson Eastern, said: “It is a tremendous honour to be named ‘Sustainable Housebuilder of the Year’ and we are thrilled with this accolade. The need to reduce carbon emissions and tackle the problems posed by climate change remains an integral part of our mission and sustainability in its broadest sense delivers real business value.

“Crest Nicholson is committed to continuing to explore the use of new and innovative technologies in order to ensure sustainable standards become far more widely used across the industry. We are extremely proud of our achievements in this area and it is wonderful that our efforts have been recognised by our peers.”

Now in their seventh year, the Housebuilder Awards, delivered in association with NHBC and the Home Builders Federation, showcase best practice ideas and technology. The awards recognise companies which demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation in the housebuilding industry, with the winners all having been recognised for driving forward quality in the delivery of new homes.

Crest Nicholson is helping first time buyers at its Blenheim Square development in North Weald purchase their first home by offering to pay 5% deposit on a selection of two-bedroom apartments.

Blenheim Square is an ideal development for commuters and young families either looking to escape inflated rental prices in London, or just looking for their first home in the Essex countryside. Situated in the picturesque village of North Weald in Essex, residents can enjoy the rural location yet still be close to larger Essex towns such as Harlow and Epping and the amenities they have to offer. Epping tube station offers travel into London Liverpool Street in just 35 minutes, great for commuters and those looking for entertainment in central London and the West End.

Prices for a two bedroom apartment at Blenheim Square start from £181,500 and four-bedroom houses start from £335,000. For further information please contact Crest Nicholson on 0870 757 8190 or www.crestnicholson.com/blenheimsquare.

At its Clarion Gate development in Chelmsford, Crest Nicholson is offering to pay properties’ stamp duty, thereby freeing up some extra cash to help with the move. Alternatively, buyers can take part in Crest Nicholson’s popular Part Exchange scheme, whereby Crest Nicholson purchases the buyer’s current home, enabling them to purchase a new home at Clarion Gate.

The development comprises an elegant collection of 153 traditional and contemporary styled two, three and four-bedroom houses and one and two-bedroom apartments. Clarion Gate has proven extremely popular with young families as Chelmsford continues to attract families thanks to excellent schools, such as Chelmsford County High for Girls.

Homes currently available at Clarion Gate comprise two-bedroom apartments from £188,000, three-bedroom houses from £292,500 and four-bedroom houses from £345,000. For further information about buying a home at Clarion Gate please contact 0870 757 8184. Alternatively, visit the Crest Nicholson website at www.crestnicholson.com/clariongate