THOSE who helped to rebuild Dartmouth after a fire ravaged the town centre four years ago have been recognised for their design expertise and sensitivity. Judges at this year's Building Excellence Awards made special mention of the Dartmouth Fire Redevelopment Project. The scheme has seen parts of the town's historic Tudor centre restored after a major fire swept through properties in Fairfax Place in May 2010. Eight businesses and up to 15 flats were destroyed or severely damaged by the fire, but no-one was injured. The Tudor buildings dated back to the early 16th Century and some were English Heritage Grade I and Grade II listed. At the annual prize giving ceremony a special award went to the project team of Lea Humphreys and Son general builder in Strete, building contractor J E Stacey and Co Ltd, builder Daniel Squire, BBH Chartered Architects (Dartmouth) Ltd, and those individuals whose properties were affected by the fire, Mr and Mrs Way, Mr Goodwin and Lesley Challacombe as well as the Devon Building Control Partnership. South West local authorities took part in the prestigious black tie event at Plymouth's Holiday Inn, opened by David Allen chairman of the South West Local Authority Building Control. Architects, builders and developers undertaking projects in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset and Somerset were all eligible to take part in this highly respected building control awards scheme. The projects were judged on a range of criteria including compliance with building regulations, accessibility and inclusive environment, sustainability and customer satisfaction. Cllr Hilary Bastone, South Hams executive board member of Devon Building Control Partnership said: 'These awards produce some excellent entries every year. This year is no exception, which is particularly gratifying as it is the tenth anniversary of the founding of Devon Building Control Partnership. What is of great relevance to me as a ward councillor for Dartmouth is the way that the fire ravaged centre of the town has been beautifully restored with great assistance from the Conservation and Planning Officer, Richard Gage, at South Hams. 'I was also particularly pleased to see an award for Devon and Cornwall Housing who are providing important social housing for Totnes.'