143362

9th March 2016

The Secretary Planning Committee Department of Local Government and the Environment Murray House Mount Havelock Douglas

Dear Madam,

Re: Planning Application 16/00238/C

This application pertains to a proposed change of use of a Retail Shop to a Café / retail food unit.

I am a Home Office accredited Architectural Liaison Officer, having received training in this field at the Crime Reduction College. Architectural Liaison Officers receive specialist training in criminology and crime reduction strategies. It is my role to advise Developers, Architects and Planners on developing the built environment in order to reduce opportunities for crime and disorder. This includes the widely accepted multi-disciplinary approach to crime prevention known as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. CPTED acknowledges that the design of the built environment can influence crime patterns and trends by either creating, or reducing, opportunities for criminal behaviour and public disorder. There are a number of accepted principles in relation to CPTED which include anonymity and surveillance.

Examination of the said application raises concerns which are summarised below:

1. Research has shown that takeaway type premises act as 'honey pots.' They cause persons to remain in the area for an inordinate period of time increasing the opportunities for criminal or anti-social behaviour, especially during the evenings and late night. Incidents occurring in the area create unsustainable demands on local Policing resources.

In light of the concerns detailed above I would therefore strongly recommend that the trading hours are controlled and that the following condition be placed upon any approval granted in respect of the said application. Namely that the premises:

• Opening times of the Business have been included on the main application, I request that these be made apart of a condition to planning approval.

  Monday - Saturday 8am until 6pm

  Sunday No hours stated suggesting they are closed

Yours faithfully,

Police Constable 22 Robert Midghall Architectural Liaison Officer