The home of one of Alan Sugar’s companies and a new housing development were hailed as examples of good architecture by a council.

Loughton Town Council gave its 2013 Building Design Award to Amshold for its renovation of Amshold house in Goldings Hill and Redrow Homes Eastern for the terrace at Borders Crescent.

Town mayor Stephen Pewsey, who presented the awards at last nights’ annual town meeting, said: “Amshold House is a good example of re-use of a brownfield land (that has been built on before), which we ought to encourage.

Councillor Chris Pond said Borders Crescent “echoes the idea of a Regency crescent, but incorporates modern features and design.

“It gives a grace and elegance to this part of Loughton, which is mostly utilitarian and is an admirable feature of the townscape for the 21st century.”

Plaques were presented to each of the companies to fix to the buildings.