Response from Mr Andrew Hunton, Cumbria Constabulary and obo Police and Crime Commissioner
1. Mr Andrew Hunton, Cumbria Constabulary and obo Police and Crime Commissioner : 14 Aug 2018 10:15:00
Please make your comments in the box below, making reference to the section(s) or paragraph number(s) you are referring to as appropriate.
Item 1.1
1.1
'.......Within this area, South Lakeland District Council is responsible for preparing plans to guide new development and deciding whether or not to approve planning applications.
The Constabulary is grateful for the opportunity to comment on this consultation. By contributing to the planning process, the Constabulary seeks to encourage high quality design that contributes to the vibrancy and sustainability of South Lakeland, which is resistant to crime and anti-social activity.
It is timely that Government has recently published an updated National Planning Policy Framework and specifically refers to community safety issues:
New National Planning Policy Framework (July 2018)
8. Promoting healthy and safe communities
91. Planning policies and decisions should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places which:
b) are safe and accessible, so that crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine the quality of life or community cohesion – for example through the use of clear and legible pedestrian routes, and high quality public space, which encourage the active and continual use of public areas;
12. Achieving well-designed places
124. The creation of high quality buildings and places is fundamental to what the planning and development process should achieve. Good design is a key aspect of sustainable development, creates better places in which to live and work and helps make development acceptable to communities. Being clear about design expectations, and how these will be tested, is essential for achieving this. So too is effective engagement between applicants, communities, local planning authorities and other interests throughout the process.
f) create places that are safe, inclusive and accessible and which promote health and well-being, with a high standard of amenity for existing and future users; and where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine the quality of life or community cohesion and resilience.
As NPPF must be taken into account in preparing local plans, thus there is an opportunity to provide guidance on the crime prevention measures SLDC wishes to be adopted in submitted proposals.
Presently, the South Lakeland Core Strategy refers to ‘crime’ in three instances (pages 6 and 128), but does not give guidance on how measures should be incorporated, by which proposals can be measured.
I shall be pleased to contribute to future policy consultations.
