Draft Greater Norwich Local Plan – Part 1 The Strategy

Representing Norfolk Constabulary:

As a Designing Out Crime Officer for Norfolk Police, I support the intended key issue #7 (within Table 8) for the establishment and maintenance of resilient, safe and inclusive communities and also, key issue #1 to provide convenient, safe and sustainable access to facilities. I would suggest when these issues advance for further development that ‘safe’ is also to be interpreted as secure and that the principles of Secure By Design (SBD) - the police initiative which promotes the adoption of crime prevention measures, are further incorporated to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, as in line with Govt directive. Both the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) set out guidance in creating safe and accessible communities and I would draw your attention to section 8 of the NPPF. It recommends that local planning authorities ensure their policies and decisions aim to create safe and accessible environments where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine quality of life or community cohesion (paragraph 91). Paragraph 164 advises that when preparing their Local Plan, local authorities should work with local advisors and others to ensure that they have taken into account the most up-to-date information about higher risk sites in their area for malicious threats and natural hazards, including steps that can be taken to reduce vulnerability and increase resilience. The Design section of the PPG includes crime prevention and security measures. I look forward to engaging further as the Local Plan progresses.

As a Designing Out Crime Officer for Norfolk Police, I support these intended plans. The safe access and movement of people through this green infra structure in particular is desired and where relevant I would request the adoption of CEPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) based on the principles of the police initiative Secure By Design (SBD) to facilitate this. Crime prevention measures such as creating surveillance vistas to aid observations, extra lighting along designated routes/paths should benefit movement by reducing the opportunity for crime and the fear of crime to occur. Central Government place great emphasis on the role of the Police within planning consultations, furthermore National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) gives significant weight to promoting safe communities (in section 8 of the NPPF). I look forward to engaging further as the Local Plan progresses.