A Norfolk council has been nominated for two national awards for its work in property.

Breckland Council is up for awards in the 'best service team' category and the 'best housing, regeneration or new build initiative' category of the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) awards.

The district council was shortlisted for the service team award after its work managing 200 commercial properties across Breckland, as well as thousands of pieces of land and two council offices.

It is also in the running for the initiative award after it delivered the Elm Road Housing Scheme in Thetford.  

This multi-partner project saw the redevelopment of a redundant school site for people in need of temporary accommodation, providing not only a home but a wrap-around support service for some of the district's most vulnerable residents.

Dereham Times: Paul Hewett, executive member for property, projects and procurement at Breckland Council Paul Hewett, executive member for property, projects and procurement at Breckland Council (Image: Breckland Counci)

Councillor Paul Hewett, executive member for property, projects and procurement at Breckland Council, said: "These award nominations recognise the exceptional work being done by Breckland staff and partners in delivering quality services for our residents and businesses.  

“I am incredibly proud to see that our continued efforts to innovate, improve and to reduce the financial burden on residents and businesses is being recognised nationally."

The council's portfolio of commercial properties brings in around £3m in rental income each year, which benefits local people by allowing the council to balance its books and keep council tax as low as possible. 

Dereham Times: Aerial view of Elm Road site where 5 new properties will be builtAerial view of Elm Road site where 5 new properties will be built (Image: Breckland Council)

The success of the scheme not only benefits people using it directly but also the rest of Breckland's residents by relieving pressure on numerous other services, including reducing the cost to Breckland residents and businesses, through the council's temporary accommodation budget.

The council has previously won a Municipal Journal national award for its approach to managing commercial property.

The winners of the awards will be announced in September.