A WORCESTERSHIRE firm has continued a run of awards for the successful development of small unused plots of land.

With their experience and knowledge of the social housing industry, Oakleaf Commercial Services has identified a gap in the market by developing the small plots, such as former garage sites like Keats Place, and building value for money housing for local people that are available for rent or as shared ownership.

These are generally smaller schemes of two to six houses which are not so appealing to main contractors.

Partnerships have been built between Oakleaf, based at Forest House in Edwin Avenue, with local specialised contractors allowing the team to keep costs, quality and availability of labour within their control.

The firm has also been able to employ local apprentices providing excellent on-the-job training.

The success of the sites has been proven after being awarded two Considerate Constructors Scheme bronze awards for the Amblecote Road and Broadwaters sites, also in Kidderminster, and now scooping a silver award this year for Keats Place.

Jon Perrett, operations manager development for Oakleaf Commercial Services said: "We’re delighted to have achieved a silver award this year.

"We started these schemes a few years ago and have been focusing on continuous improvement.

"We are using new technologies and are building our first houses using the timber frame system.

“After winning bronze awards last year, we have now attained a silver.

"Site managers, Derek Colley and Ian Tonkinson together with their teams have put a lot of hard work towards helping us achieve this award.

"Maybe next time we can achieve a gold.”