Borough building a safer community

Published by webmaster for Chesterfield Borough Council in Communities

Chesterfield Borough Council has become one of 11 planning authorities in the county to have signed up to a working protocol with Derbyshire Constabulary aimed at "designing out" crime in Derbyshire.

A working protocol, which builds on previous informal arrangements, has been drawn up with the aim of creating a safe and secure community for both residents and visitors to the area by ensuring that new developments are designed with crime prevention in mind.

During recent years legislation from central Government has recognised the benefits of creating homes and buildings that people feel safe in using and want to use.

Chief Superintendent Lynn Harris of Derbyshire Constabulary said: “By pooling the resources and expertise of the Derbyshire Constabulary and local councils we will ensure that crime and disorder issues are fully considered when formulating planning policy and making planning decisions”.

Crime Prevention design advisors employed by Derbyshire Constabulary will liaise with planners in the Borough on all major developments and those that may have an impact on the community, to ensure that future generations benefit from the joint working protocol.

Cllr Stuart Bray, Lead Member for Planning at the Borough Council, said: “This is an important initiative, in that it formalises the consultation arrangements that have previously been in place between the Council and the Constabulary and which have already helped shape crime prevention policies in the recently adoped Local Plan.

"It marks the Council’s continuing commitment to ensure safer places for people to live and work in and visit.”   

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Press release issued: September 18 2006