THE builders of Okehampton?s Parklands Leisure Centre, which opened last year, have won an award for their work. Kier Western is the winner of the commercial/non-domestic category of the ?Built-In Quality? Awards for quality building and workmanship during 2004. The Devon Building Control Partnership, a joint venture between West Devon Borough Council and Teignbridge District Council, has awarded the accolades to local building firms. The two council building control units have integrated into one organisation, which means that the partnership now has 18 surveyors at its disposal. The awards scheme was developed several years ago to encourage and reward high standards of workmanship, environmental consideration, and project and site management carried out by builders and developers. Professional surveyors who visited the sites during the course of construction made all nominations for the awards. Hazel Street Ltd were highly commended for the conversion of a barn at The Mill, Ashbury Farm, Northlew. New housing development winner was Millwood Homes for 49 houses and eight flats at Betton Way, Moretonhampstead. Cllr Brian Berman, Chairman of the Partnership Board and Teignbridge Council executive member said: ?The quality of local workmanship has always been high, however, these awards make it clear that there are those who still stand out amongst the crowd. ?We are delighted to recognise those who make the extra effort in this way, and to report there are more individual projects being recognised this year than last demonstrating consistent improvement across the board. ?Additionally, by working together with our local builders the partnership helps to ensure buildings meet Government targets for energy efficiency and accessibility.? Cllr Diana Moyse, vice-chairman of the partnership board, and vice-chairman of West Devon Borough Council?s future planning and housing committee, added: ?I am delighted with the overall performance of the partnership in its first year, and the presentation of these awards demonstrates our commitment to rewarding standards of excellence right across the region. ?We look forward to bringing more councils on board to join the partnership.?