A PROPERTY developer has won high praise after restoring two former farm buildings using original materials.

PF Developments Limited, in Stockton, was recently awarded third place for Best Conservation Project at the Northern Local Authority Building Control's ceremony at Slaley Hall, in Hexham, Northumberland.

The development was nominated by David Harrison, from the building control department at Stockton Borough Council.

In 2004, the company was given permission to convert two redundant farm buildings at Preston Farm into four cottages. The buildings, which date from the 18th Century, were formerly a coach house and summer barn.

The developers worked closely with the council to ensure that the buildings, while being modernised, retained many of their original features and maintained the rural feel of the farmstead.

Paul Devine, a director of the company, said: "The award recognises the time and effort we invested to ensure that build quality and general workmanship were never compromised."

They have now moved on to the next phase of development at Preston Farm, which includes the renovation of a farmhouse and conversion of a stone barn, both of which date from the mid-1600s.