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Appendix 3: Residential Development Checklist

A3. The design of housing layouts can make a significant contribution to the prevention of crime and alleviating the fear of crime as well as deterring anti-social behaviour. Most crime in residential areas is opportunistic including burglary, theft, vandalism, and car-related crime. Developers are expected to take account of the following:

Housing Clusters
  • Dwellings are sited in small clusters to encourage social interaction.
  • A variety of dwelling types and sizes, including those suitable for retired people, are provided within each cluster to facilitate natural surveillance.
Public and Private Spaces - 'Defensible Space'
  • 'Defensible space' is clearly defined using real or symbolic barriers and features.
  • Rear gardens interlock for mutual protection.
  • Public access through the development is controlled.
  • Additional security is provided for rear gardens adjacent to footpaths, cycleways and open space e.g. planting.
  • Strong lockable gates are provided to front building-lines including side gates.
Natural Surveillance
  • Frontage development is provided to communal areas, including footpaths, open space and children's play areas, to allow for natural surveillance.
  • The opportunity has been taken for natural surveillance from passing traffic.
  • Unobserved access or potential escape routes are excluded.
Building Design
  • Design features are avoided which would allow climbing and access points.
  • Arrangements are made for the storage of 'wheelie bins' within individual residential curtilages.
Footpaths and Cycleways
  • Existing well-used footpath routes are retained as part of the new housing.
  • Additional footpaths take into account requirements for convenient circulation.
  • Footpaths are wide and without sharp bends or other means of concealment.
  • Footpaths and cycleways avoid the rear of dwellings.
Landscape Design
  • Planting does not provide the opportunity for concealment.
Lighting
  • Communal areas are well lit and light pollution is minimised.
Car Parking
  • Car parking is located within view of residents.
  • Parking bays clearly relate to the dwellings they serve.
Secured by Design
  • The principles of the Police "Secured by Design" scheme have been followed and Approval sought.
   
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