23 March 2012
The new planning guidance on crime impact statements will be a central consideration for decision-makers when looking at relevant planning applications and its adoption follows a two-month consultation with the public and key stakeholders. The guidance is a requirement of the new Island Plan, approved by the States in June 2011.
The Minister for Planning and Environment said: “The comments and representations we received raised a number of important issues. I am grateful to all those who took part and have helped us to shape this guidance. The Island Plan requires new developments to take into account the need to design out crime and design in community safety and the new guidance will assist in that aim.”
Crime impact statements will be required for the following developments, where the risk of crime is greater:
- housing developments of 10 or more dwellings
- major office, industrial, retail, or leisure schemes of 1000 m² or more and / or involving a minimum of 40 workers on site
- new neighbourhood or community facilities (including schools) over 250m²
- areas of open space / landscaping over 500m²
- off street car parking for more than 15 spaces
- transport infrastructure – cycle lanes, footpaths greater than 500m in length and similar highway infrastructure
- developments where food and drink is sold for consumption on the premises, or of hot food for consumption off the premises – eg restaurants, takeaways greater than 100m²
- developments in areas known to be crime sensitive
The guidance outlines the purpose of crime impact statements, when they are required and what they should contain. It also highlights the importance of seeking advice on crime prevention from the Crime Reduction Officer, States of Jersey Police, at an early stage in the design process.
Minister for Planning and Environment said: “Jersey is a relatively safe place but crime and fear of crime remain concerns for many islanders. The challenge for developers and designers is to pay careful attention from the outset to the principles of crime prevention and the attributes of safer places. Crime impact statements assist in the delivery of good, informed design and the creation of safe places and will serve to ensure that crime prevention matters are properly addressed in the design process.”
Key advantages of preparing crime impact statements are that they:
- encourage applicants to think carefully about producing development proposals that consider all relevant crime prevention matters relating to the site and the local context
- help applicants to create developments which avoid or minimise the effects of crime and disorder
- demonstrate that crime prevention matters have been fully considered
- give a better understanding of the rationale used in a structure’s design
- help to allay public fears about proposed developments
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