An affordable housing development in Maidstone has been named as one of just 20 schemes in the country to achieve a design and sustainability accolade.

Avante, above, at Coxheath, Maidstone, has received the Building for Life Gold Standard, which recognises builders and housing associations that demonstrate a commitment to high design standards and sustainable development.

Building for Life is run by the Government's advisors on architecture, urban design and public space, as well as the Home Builders Federation and Design for Homes.

Schemes are judged against 20 stringent criteria, including contribution to the environment and community, character, streets, parking, pedestrianisation, design and building.

Avante, which is on the site of the former Linton Hospital site, has a mixed community of 150 homes and is built by Crest Nicholson.

* Avante is three miles from Maidstone. Prices start from £202,500 for a two bedroom house. For further information contact 0870 755 9830 or visithttp://www.crestnicholson.com/.