AN historic redevelopment in Williton has overcome its troubled past to scoop a top building excellence award in the South West.

The conversion of Williton's listed former workhouse in Long Street into the Sir Gilbert Scott Court residential development was beset with problems when the company that originally started the build went into administration.

Residents who had already bought properties were left living on a half-derelict building site for more than two years until SEC Properties Limited stepped in.

Now, the development has been completed in a manner that has exceeded all expectations and restored the reputation of the unique historic site.

So much so, it clinched the Judges Award, in recognition of the outstanding achievement at Sir Gilbert Scott Court, at the renowned South West local authorities' annual Building Excellence Awards.

The award was presented to Graham Phippen of SEC Properties Ltd, its contractor, GL and MA Phippen Ltd, and its architect TFQ Architects, who, together, also collected the award for Best Large Housing Development.

Hundreds of people gathered at the prestigious black tie event held at the Imperial Hotel in Torquay to celebrate building excellence across the region throughout 2011 and 2012 .

Architects, builders and developers undertaking projects in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset were all eligible to take part in the highly respected annual building control awards scheme.

Projects were judged on a range of criteria including compliance with building regulations, accessibility and inclusive environment, sustainability and customer satisfaction.

Mike Riley, of Michael Riley Associates, which represented SEC Properties, said: "We have worked hard to overcome the unfortunate recent history of this site to ensure that its residents, now and in the future, can be assured that the site has been finished to the highest levels.

"We are delighted to have our work recognised by the special award."

Jayne Hall, West Somerset Council's building control manager who hosted the event in her role as Chairman of Local Authority Building Control South West, said she was thrilled Sir Gilbert Scott Court had received the recognition it deserved.

"The developers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the previous issues with the site were resolved and have ensured that this project is finished to very high standards indeed.

"This shows what can be achieved with a positive attitude, co-operation, determination and motivation," she said.

Cllr Chris Morgan, West Somerset Council's lead member for environment, said he was please so many of the finalists nominated for awards were from West Somerset.

He said: "Naturally, I commend the outstanding work completed on Sir Gilbert Scott Court but I would also like to praise all those whose dedication, flair and skills have earned them places and recognition in this hotly contested final."

Other finalists from West Somerset, and the categories in which they were nominated, were:

* Best Domestic Alteration or Extension - 8 Robert Street, Williton (client, Mr and Mrs Gliddon; contractor A. Raucki and Sons; architect, Mr Wilkinson).

* Best Conversion to Create a Dwelling - Long Acre, Burton (client and contractor, Mr M Stacey; architect/designer, Shattock Associates; engineer, Mr B Jones).

* Best Individual Dwelling – Stile Cottage, Wootton Courtenay (client, Mrs Campbell; contractor, Mr M Freeman; architect/designer, Welsh Oak Frame).

* Best Large Housing Development - Sir Gilbert Scott Court, Williton (client, SEC Properties Ltd; contractor, GL and MA Phippen Ltd; architect, TFQ Architects).

* Best Community Building, Best Education Development and Best Vernacular Building - The Music Room, Ashwick (client, The Moorland Mousie Trust; contractor, Nick Eaves Carpentry; architect, Mr R. Campbell).

* Best Small Commercial Building - Cutcombe Livestock Market (client and contractor, Summerfield Developments; architect, Reed Holland Associates).