ASK THE EXPERT Security first


Kenny McHugh of Secured by Design answers self-builders’ questions on creating a physically secure home, from the layout and boundaries, to physical security and alarms


E


very self-builder will be looking to create a safe and secure home, but security doesn’t just start when the home has been built, it starts back at the planning stage.


WHAT IS SECURED BY DESIGN? S is an oficial police security initiative, owned by the UK Police Service. The SBD organisation itself has been campaigning for improved security in buildings and homes for nearly 30 years and works closely with a wide range of organisations to achieve sustainable reductions in crime through design and other approaches to enable people to live in a safer society. Over a million homes and commercial properties have been built to SBD standards over the last 30 years, with an associated reduction in crime of up to 87%.


HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO


SELF-BUILDERS? Secured by Design offers a comprehensive solution to the security of dwellings, addressing site design and layout as well as detailed physical security measures. It works as a guide to the creation of a safer, more secure and sustainable environment for the homeowner, and can be applied to both new and refurbishment schemes.


WHAT DOES THE GUIDE COMPRISE? The SBD Self Build 2019 Design Guide provides a variety of useful information and guidance to make your home safe and secure, without the need to adopt ‘fortress’ type crime prevention solutions. The guide can be found at www.securedbydesign.com.


ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL


BENEFITS? Building in accordance with the SBD Self Build Guide will enable you to meet the requirements of the planning authorities and building control professionals across England, Scotland and Wales who will seek to establish that relevant legislation has been met. You can apply for the Secured by Design Self Build Award certificate to show that you have met your formal planning obligations.


SO WHAT ARE THE BASICS TO


CONSIDER? Let’s start with your boundaries and work inwards toward the main residence using some of the points highlighted in the guide. Vehicle and pedestrian routes to your home should be designed to ensure they are visually open and direct.


8 www.sbhonline.co.uk


A change in the colour or texture of the road surface or brick piers could mark the point where the private ownership starts – making an intruder feel less comfortable on the property. Walls, fences and hedges at the


front need to be kept to one metre or less in height to maximise surveillance and minimise hiding places to ensure criminals are on view from the home and street. Alternatively, railings or picket fencing could be used. At the rear and sides of your home, taller boundaries are recommended. It’s advisable to look at 1.8 metre high fencing and top it with 0.3 metres of trellis to mae climbing more dificult Side gates should be 1.8 metre high, robust and capable of being locked. They should be installed at the front of the building line. Use prickly plants, such as pyracantha or climbing roses, to protect fencing, easily accessible windows and drainpipes.


Gravel driveways or pathways can be attractive, as well as helping you hear the crunch of approaching footsteps! Energy eficient dus to dawn eternal lighting at the front and rear of your property will provide added security. In terms of your physical building security, doorsets (door, frame, locks, fittings and glaing which allow direct access into the home should achieve SBD’s high security standard – the Police reerred Specification


Easily accessible windows, including easily accessible roof lights and roof windows, should also meet SBD standards. Both door and window rames must be securely fied to the building fabric in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications arage doors too should meet SBD standards. If you are considering an alarm system,


ensure it is from a nationally recognised installer who is a member of the NSI or SSAIB, or look for an SBD Accredited Alarm Installation Company.


WHAT IS THE SBD STANDARD/ POLICE PREFERRED SPECIFICATION?


SBD has worked with businesses, the construction industry and standards authorities at home and abroad for many years, leading SBD to develop a police accreditation scheme over 20 years ago for products – the Police reerred Specification Products that have met the Police


reerred Specification provide reassurance to the specifier, purchaser


sep/oct 2022


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76