Support

Representation ID: 8516

Received: 02/09/2021

Respondent: Bedfordshire Police

As explained earlier in these representations, BP strongly advocate that Secured by Design (SBD) be
promoted by the relevant policies of the new Local Plan. In the same vein, the proposed Bedford
Borough Design Guide should do so as well.
This will ensure that developers properly consider the measures involved in designing out crime to
create and maintain a sustainable community in accordance with the following, as well as the National
Model Design Code (July 2021) (see above):
 Paragraphs 8, 20, 35-37, 92 (b), 97 and 130 (f) of the National Planning Policy Framework (July
2021) (NPPF);
 Bedford Borough’s Sustainable Community Strategy 2009-2021 – Section 5; and
 Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (as amended).
To give a brief summary of SBD, it is a long-running flagship initiative of the National Policy Chiefs’
Council (formally Association of Chief Police Officers). Its objective is to design out crime during the
planning process. It is a highly respected standard in the sector, supported by numerous public bodies
and professional organisations. SBD is therefore a vital guidance resource for planners. SBD was created
in 1989, is available online, regularly updated and consequently there is no danger of it ceasing to exist
during the lifetime of the Local Plan.
It should though be highlighted that incorporating SBD will not though negate the need for additional
police and other emergency services infrastructure in relation to new developments. Not least because
there is no statutory power under which police, fire & rescue and ambulance services could be reduced
because of a given scheme incorporating SBD.