Graphite Security Ltd is a specialist consultancy providing security assessments, design input, and planning support for developments across the UK and UAE. We focus on reducing crime risk through intelligent design.

Our services include:

● Security Needs Assessments (SNAs)
● Secured by Design (SBD) Strategy Reports
● BREEAM Hea 06 Security Inputs
● CPTED and HVM design guidance

Led by a trained consultant with experience in both security and landscape architecture, we work with planning consultants, architects, and developers to integrate safety from the ground up. Whether it’s a school, hotel, retail unit or residential site – our aim is to help you design places that are safer, compliant, and future-ready.

Engaging with a Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO) can strengthen your application – but preparation is key.

Before your workshop:

● Ensure site plans and layouts are ready
● Be clear on access strategies, boundaries, and lighting
● Review SBD guidance and BREEAM criteria

Graphite Security often leads or joins these workshops on your behalf, presenting your SNA and liaising with police to build trust and gain sign-off.

Including security requirements in tender documents helps set clear expectations and attract qualified teams.

We recommend including:

● A requirement for SBD compliance or strategy report
● A need for BREEAM Hea 06 credit (with SNA)
● Reference to standards such as PAS 24, LPS 1175, or IWA 14

At Graphite Security, we support clients with wording for RFPs and contractor briefs, ensuring design teams understand the security expectations from day one.

The earlier, the better. Security input at RIBA Stage 2 or 3 can prevent costly redesigns and ensure smooth planning.

Bring Graphite Security in:

● When preparing your initial site layout
● Before engaging with planners or submitting for pre-app
● When targeting BREEAM or SBD credits

Early input helps shape practical, attractive and compliant designs – while late-stage reviews often require changes to entrances, boundaries, or lighting. Don’t retrofit security. Design with it from the start.

Crime data helps shape smarter, safer urban design. From hotspots of burglary to trends in antisocial behaviour, we use this data to inform how developments should be designed.

Key insights:

● Violent crime and burglary often cluster around poorly lit, unobserved routes
● Public space without passive surveillance increases risk of misuse
● Mixed-use areas with active frontages reduce fear of crime

At Graphite Security, we use official crime stats, site analysis, and local consultations to guide our SNA and SBD reports. The result: Data-backed design that stands up to scrutiny and planning review.

Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) isn’t about big bollards and barriers. Done right, it can be discreet, aesthetic, and effective.

Graphite Security integrates HVM into design using:

● Landscape features (berms, planters, benches)
● Traffic calming layouts and setbacks
● PAS 68 or IWA 14 rated street furniture

We work with landscape architects and urban designers to ensure public realm stays open and welcoming – while protecting people and assets from vehicle-borne threats.

Schools present unique security challenges: high footfall, vulnerable users, and public-private interfaces. Secured by Design provides a framework to mitigate risks.

Key SBD considerations include:

● Secure perimeters and gated access
● Zoning to separate public, pupil, and staff areas
● Lockdown procedures and secure internal layouts

Graphite Security has worked on multiple school projects to advise architects and project teams on proportionate, safeguarding-led design that meets DfE and SBD standards.

CPTED is a design philosophy that uses urban design to reduce crime and improve safety. It’s about designing public spaces, parks, and streetscapes that feel safe and deter criminal behaviour.

We use CPTED principles in:

● Layout design to improve natural surveillance
● Landscaping to define space and direct movement
● Lighting and signage to support wayfinding and visibility

Graphite Security helps planners and landscape architects use CPTED effectively – shaping safer environments that are inclusive, attractive, and resilient.

At Graphite Security, we advise clients on integrating low-impact, high-resilience measures, such as:

● Green fencing with hostile vehicle mitigation
● Motion-activated lighting to reduce energy use
● Surveillance integrated into architectural design
● Passive design for natural surveillance

We also align our recommendations with BREEAM, SBD, and modern architectural trends – supporting secure, people-friendly, and environmentally responsible places.

Under BREEAM, Hea 06 relates to ‘Security of Site and Building’ and offers credits for integrating security considerations into your development.

To gain the credit, a Security Needs Assessment must be carried out by a qualified consultant, covering crime risk analysis and tailored design responses. This must be done by RIBA Stage 2 to align with design development.

At Graphite Security, we provide Hea 06-compliant SNAs that:

● Assess local crime data
● Review proposed site layout
● Recommend proportionate security features
● Include consultation with local stakeholders or police

The result? You gain planning benefits, improve user safety, and contribute to overall BREEAM certification.