Builders of an energy efficient housing development near Maidstone have scooped a top national award for innovation.

Berkeley Homes (Kent) has designed houses at its development at Holborough, near Maidstone to be up to 39 per cent more energy efficient than traditionally built properties.

Now the development's Birchleigh phase has won the Best Housing or Residential Project award at the Local Authority Building Control's 2008 awards.

The weatherboarded New England style homes are fitted with Super E technology – a hidden insulation system which aims to reduce the need for central heating.

Piers Clanford, managing director of Berkeley Homes (Kent) said: "The win is a fitting recognition of all the hard work that has gone into the construction of the homes at Holborough.

"This award is particularly special as it is judged by an experienced team of construction professionals, including engineers and surveyors, from local authorities around the UK."