The development of 24 houses, bungalows and flats built on cleared land at the rear of Old Fallings Crescent has received the gold standard as part of the official security initiative.
To gain the award City of Wolverhampton Council officers had to work closely with West Midlands Police Designing Out Crime Officers, who are part of the national network of police officers and staff who specialise in designing out crime.
They advise and collaborate with architects, developers and local authority planners long before construction begins – and continue to provide advice and guidance until a development is complete.
The Old Fallings Crescent accolade recognises the measures taken to reduce the opportunity for crime and anti-social behaviour by improved layout, environmental design and the use of Police Preferred Specification products. It also provides evidence of compliance with Building Regulations for domestic security in England, Scotland and Wales.
The council’s in-house Housing Development Team led on the project, with Morro Partnerships constructing the homes using sustainable building methods.
The homes were designed by BM3 Architects, with four of the houses - featuring rise and fall kitchens and through floor lifts - and four of the bungalows all built to wheelchair standards, supporting some residents in the greatest housing need, especially those waiting for purpose-built accommodation. The remainder of the homes have been built to future adaptability standards.
All have a high energy efficiency rating, electric vehicle charging points and solar panels.
As well as 2-bedroom homes, 4 and 5-bedroom homes have also been included in the scheme to cater for larger families.
Councillor Steve Evans, City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing and Assets, said: “One of our key priorities is to increase the number of good homes in clean, green, well-connected neighbourhoods across the city.
“Part of that is about providing access to a safe and secure home for residents and this SBD gold award is testament to the work we are doing with the support of the police.
“It not only signifies a commitment to safety and security but also serves as a benchmark for quality in building design – delivering new homes Wolverhampton residents can be proud of.”
West Midlands Police Force Design Out Crime & Crime Reduction Manager, Mark Silvester, said “Building new homes to Secured by Design certified standards is proven by research to reduce crime. In addition, it underpins the city council’s commitment to building high quality new homes for the future.
“West Midlands Police are supporting the city council in delivering on that commitment. I am immensely proud of what is being achieved in the city with the support of Design Out Crime Officer Tarkan Mehmet-Ali.”
