A ONCE controversial high-rise development in Lewisham has scooped an award for building excellence.

The colourful Renaissance site in Loampit Vale gained the Highly Commended Award for this year’s Best Large Housing Development at the LACB Building Excellence Awards.

Objectors to the Barratt Homes development outside Lewisham Station, which will provide 788 residential spaces, protested and lambasted councillors when plans were given the go-ahead in 2009.

Speaking of the award, Barratt regional sales director Gary Patrick said: "On behalf of the whole Barratt London team, I would like to congratulate all those involved in the Renaissance build for making the project such a huge success."

The award ceremony for good building and delivering outstanding construction and workmanship took place on May 17 at the London Guildhall.