Secured by Design
Secured by Design gives guidance to applicants on the layout, design and physical security of a development. It is a flagship initiative of Association of Police Officers (ACPO) Crime Prevention Initiatives (CPI).
Applicants are required to become familiar with the relevant sections of the Secured by Design website, consult their local crime prevention design advisor (CPDA) for site-specific information, and follow the application process outlined there.
Applicants are strongly advised to contact their local CPDA to discuss the development before completing the application checklist, submitting a planning application or completing a Design and Access Statement.
What is a Design and Access Statement?
A Design and Access Statement is a written and sometimes illustrated report which accompanies a planning application.
It demonstrates how the applicant has:
- Analysed the site and its settings.
- Produced and applied design principles to achieve good, inclusive design for buildings and public spaces.
The Statement also shows how the developer has consulted – or will consult – on a number of issues, including community safety and crime prevention. A Design and Access Statement should explain what consideration has been given to community safety and crime prevention.
Where appropriate, pre-planning advice from a CPDA should be sought. Your local CPDA can advise on criminal and security issues, patterns of behaviour, and give you a good understanding of local crime. The CPDA may also give advice on possible design solutions.
The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) (opens new window) has produced a guidance document, reprinted in 2007, called 'Design and Access Statement – How to write, read and use them'.
Who needs Secured by Design?
Housing Associations are required to achieve high standards of security set out in Secured by Design.
It is becoming more common for private developers to apply for the Secured by Design award as it forms part of 'The Code for Sustainable Homes' and shows that they are keen to develop safe, sustainable environments and homes.
Only CPDAs who have received the training can carry out the site inspections and issue Secured by Design award certificates.
Secured by Design Part 2
If applicants are applying for Secured by Design Part 2 Part Compliance as part of an application under 'Code for Sustainable Homes', they just need to complete section two of the application form. They are still invited to speak with their CPDA before submitting the form.
Secured by Design may only be used as part of any marketing strategy if there has been compliance with both section one and section two of the Secured by Design 'New Homes' guidance document.