Elephant and Castle scoops planning award

The Elephant and Castle entry for the ‘best public sector planning organisation' category explained how the council has managed to get the regeneration scheme back on track after a failed attempt back in 2002.

Ken Livingstone said the judges were impressed by the "excellent team effort focusing on co-ordination of the council departments, external stakeholders and the local community." He added that the scheme "has the added achievement of radically shifting developer aspirations away from a shopping centre whilst coping with challenges to focus on a comprehensive regeneration scheme with strong local community involvement".

"This award recognises that regeneration at Elephant and Castle is beginning to make a significant difference to the community" enthused Southwark's deputy leader Catherine Bowman. "Innovative consultation techniques and community partnerships have been vital to turning the project around and helping Elephant and Castle begin to realise its potential as a central London location."

• London Planning Awards