A Carlisle housing developer has been named as one of the best in the north at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Maris Properties won the Best Small Housing Development for its Longburgh development near Burgh By Sands, Carlisle at the Northern LABC Building Excellence Awards.

The awards are the largest in the building control sector, recognising quality in all types of building projects.

It celebrates buildings and design teams that have overcome the challenges of complex technical and construction issues as well as building site constraints.

Maris Properties said introducing new homes into the Conservation Area of Longburgh was a challenge.

Stephen Lavery, director of Maris Properties, added: “By working closely with the local planning team we were able to introduce contemporary designs into this conservation setting.

"This was achieved through the careful balance of contemporary design alongside traditional building techniques, craftsmanship and choice of materials which have all allowed the houses to embed into their historic surroundings.”

Katy Lavery, design and project manager for Maris Properties, said: "We could not be more delighted with this recognition of our Longburgh development as a relevant, new housing scheme.

"With increasing national demand for multi-functional and generational homes we believe that Longburgh stands out as a sustainable scheme that meets the needs of a challenging housing market offering thoughtful living solutions to the changing face of family units.”

Longburgh is the only Carlisle-based project shortlisted for the LABC National awards held in London in November.

David Lavery, a fellow director of Maris Properties, added: “As a local family business we are proud to stand alongside the national house builders in the forthcoming National LABC Awards .

"We would like to thank all our supporting design teams and contractors who have gone that extra mile to achieve the high standards for which we strive.”