§ Mr. AmosTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will meet the chairmen of the major house builders to discuss the involvement of the police through formal procedures at an early stage to discuss the design and layout of new housing schemes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe police have a significant contribution to make to the design of new housing schemes with their ability to offer expert advice to property developers on design measures which can reduce the opportunities for crime. All police forces in England and Wales except Hampshire have designated architectural liaison officers for this purpose. The police's "Secured By Design" scheme, which is a joint initiative with the major companies in the house building industry operating in many parts of the country, is aimed at ensuring that newly built homes and estates are safe and secure. The Government fully support this programme, which is an excellent example of the partnership approach to crime prevention. The Government also believe that the house building industry already recognises the importance of design in preventing crime and making homes and communities safer. My right hon. Friend has therefore at present no plans to meet the chairmen of the major house building companies.
§ Mr. AmosTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the involvement of the police at an early stage through formal procedures with planning authorities to discuss security and safety measures for house building schemes.
§ Mr. John PattenThe police have dedicated architectural liaison officers who advise local authority planners and others in the building industry on the design of housing and estates from a crime prevention perspective. In addition the Department of the Environment is revising its planning policy guidance to include advice for local planning authorities on crime prevention aspects in the design and layout of new developments, and on consulting police architectural liaison officers about planning applications. This will be issued early in the new year.