Security Meets Sustainability: How to Balance Both in Modern Design Security and sustainability are often seen as competing goals – but they don’t have to be. With the right approach, developments can achieve both.
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The Role of Secured by Design (SBD) in Gaining Planning Permission
Secured by Design (SBD) is a police initiative that promotes crime prevention through good design. Increasingly, planning authorities require SBD principles to be demonstrated in planning applications.
Incorporating SBD from the start shows your scheme prioritises community safety, aligns with national guidance, and helps reduce long-term crime risks.
At Graphite Security, we prepare SBD Strategy Reports tailored to your scheme – from residential and mixed-use developments to energy centres and schools. These demonstrate compliance with Part Q (residential), PAS 24 (windows/doors), and guidance on surveillance, lighting, and boundary treatments.
Working with your architects and planners, we help ensure the security elements are proportionate, practical, and planning-ready.
From Planning to Construction: Embedding Security Early in the Design Process
Security Meets Sustainability: How to Balance Both in Modern Design Security and sustainability are often seen as competing goals – but they don’t have to be. With the right approach, developments can achieve both.
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Security isn’t just about fences and CCTV – it’s about thoughtful design from day one. Embedding security early can reduce risk, improve user confidence, and streamline planning approvals.
During RIBA Stage 2 and 3, security design plays a critical role in layout decisions. For example, how buildings face public space, where entrances are placed, and how pedestrian and vehicle flows are managed all impact safety.
Graphite Security engages at concept stage to advise on:
● Access strategy and defensible space
● Natural surveillance and lighting
● Secure layouts for parking, bin stores, and cycle storage
● SBD and BREEAM Hea 06 compliance
With early input, we help you avoid costly revisions later and futureproof your development.
Top 5 Common Security Flaws in New Developments – and How to Fix Them
Security Meets Sustainability: How to Balance Both in Modern Design Security and sustainability are often seen as competing goals – but they don’t have to be. With the right approach, developments can achieve both.
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1. Poorly Defined Boundaries: Open or ambiguous boundaries invite unauthorised access. Fix: Use clear demarcation such as railings, planting, or changes in surface.
2. Insecure Access Control: Too many uncontrolled entrances lead to vulnerability. Fix: Rationalise access points and introduce controlled entry systems.
3. Inadequate Lighting: Dark, unlit spaces can create hiding spots. Fix: Ensure even lighting to British Standards with no dark corners.
4. Overlooked Bin Stores and Plant Rooms: These can become entry points or arson risks. Fix: Position away from main entrances and use louvred doors with LPS1175 or PAS24 compliance.
5. Lack of Surveillance: Blind spots or poor natural surveillance reduce safety. Fix: Design active frontages, window placement, and CCTV to improve visibility.
Graphite Security helps identify and mitigate these flaws early – helping your development meet both safety and planning objectives.
What Is a Security Needs Assessment – And Why Your Project Needs One
Security Meets Sustainability: How to Balance Both in Modern Design Security and sustainability are often seen as competing goals – but they don’t have to be. With the right approach, developments can achieve both.
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A Security Needs Assessment (SNA) is a planning-stage document that evaluates the crime risk and outlines security recommendations for development. Mandated by the BREEAM HEA 06 credit and often required by local planning authorities, an SNA ensures your design accounts for safety and resilience from the outset.
At Graphite Security Ltd, we work with architects, developers, and planners to create SNAs that are site-specific, proportionate, and aligned with both planning and Secured by Design (SBD) requirements. Whether it’s a residential scheme, commercial block, or public facility, our assessments help you embed safety without compromising design.
From analysing crime trends and access points to recommending lighting, surveillance, and boundary treatments, an SNA ensures your project meets national best practices and local expectations. Crucially, early engagement avoids costly redesigns and delays at the planning stage.