English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency, has been short-listed for three 2008 Sustainable Housing Awards, organised by Inside Housing magazine.

The awards are the first in the UK to focus on the best green social housing projects constructed in the UK, and to recognise those organisations responsible.

English Partnerships’ projects have been recognised in three award categories, including the Sustainable Large Social Housing category for Linton Hospital, near Maidstone.

This former hospital site has been developed for English Partnerships by Crest Nicholson and is the first site in the South East where homes have been built as part of the Design for Manufacture competition.

The homes are rated as Eco Excellent and feature the highest levels of insulation; air tightness; heat recovery systems, whole house ventilation and low energy lighting.

The scheme is introducing a new generation of home owners to environmentally responsible living and offers housing for first time buyers as well as affordable housing.

More than 30 per cent of the homes built will be allocated for these groups with the affordable housing being managed by the Town and Country Association.

David Ashworth, English Partnerships’ area director for Southern England, said: "We are gratified that our efforts and those of our developer partners are seen as worthy of recognition. All of English Partnerships’ projects are driven by high design, construction and environmental standards, and we look forward to being part of this celebration of excellence."

The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, at the Hilton Hotel in London’s Park Lane.