Draft Black Country Plan

Comment

Representation ID: 45921

Received: 29/09/2021

Respondent: Chief Constable of West Midlands Police (CCWMP)

Agent: Tyler-Parkes

The Tyler Parkes Partneship Ltd act for the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police (CCWMP).

This Comments Form TOGETHER WITH the accompanying letter dated 29th September 2021 comprise the CCWMP's representations on Policy HOU4.

The Government’s good practice guide on ‘Designing Gypsy and Traveller Sites’ published in 2008, recommends that consultation should take place with the Police on site security issues and the Police Architectural Liaison Officer’s advice should be sought on the design of specific schemes with the aim of ‘designing out’ crime and social exclusion and ‘designing in’ community safety and social inclusion.

The CCWMP therefore formally requests that the wording within Policy HOU4 be amended to state that there is a requirement to consult with West Midlands Police and to consider issues of security and the need to promote community safety, social inclusion create environments where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine quality of life or community cohesion.

The proposed modification to the policy is shown below:

‘5) The location, design and facilities provided on new sites will be determined in consultation with local gypsies and travellers and travelling show people and will also consider / reflect any available national guidance. Proposals for development will be expected to be well designed and laid out respecting Secured by Design principles. It is recommended that pre-application advice is sought from the West Midlands Police Design Out Crime Officers.’