Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025

Comment

Representation ID: 14108

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Emergency Services Collaboration Police Lead

It is acknowledged that some councils have introduced new regulations for HMOs due to
longstanding public concerns regarding crime and antisocial behaviour. The DOCO
recognises the importance of providing diverse housing options to meet the needs of all
residents. To ensure HMOs are designed to be safe and secure, it is strongly advised that
developers engage with the DOCO at the earliest stage of all future applications.

Comment

Representation ID: 14109

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Emergency Services Collaboration Police Lead

It should be recognised that the DOCO can influence the design of specialist housing (such
as Retirement accommodation) and that Secured By Design can be adapted to ensure that
all homes within the district are designed to be safe and secure.

Comment

Representation ID: 14110

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Emergency Services Collaboration Police Lead

The DOCO would encourage that all self-build properties should consider security and safety
as a priority in the design stage. This will support paragraph 8.18 ‘create inclusive and sustainable communities’

Comment

Representation ID: 14111

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Emergency Services Collaboration Police Lead

The DOCO would request consultation (ideally at RIBA Stage 2) with developers and design
teams regarding any potential new and or existing Gypsy and Travelling Show Person sites.
In doing so, the relevant consultations within Essex Police are made, ensuring that there is
an integrated co-existence between the site, local community, and businesses

Comment

Representation ID: 14112

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Emergency Services Collaboration Police Lead

It is noted that there is the opportunity to use rural land for future development, it is essential
that the accessibility of the site by public transport, cycling and walking is designed to be
safe for all future users. Rural locations can lack in natural surveillance; it is essential that
this is taken into consideration when selecting sites and that there is engagement with the
DOCO to discuss surveillance opportunities

Comment

Representation ID: 14113

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Emergency Services Collaboration Police Lead

Town centres play a pivotal role in creating places for people to live, work and socialise and
it is fundamental that they are designed to be safe whilst taking into consideration the various
user groups. The VAWG strategy should be considered when enhancing or creating new
Town Centres, the DOCO can support in ensuring this strategy is utilised when engaging
with the Design Teams regarding the design and enhancements of town centres.

Comment

Representation ID: 14114

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Emergency Services Collaboration Police Lead

The DOCO would welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with the Council,
Department for Education, additional Education bodies and Design Teams to ensure future
education facilities are inclusive and safe for future users.

Comment

Representation ID: 14115

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Emergency Services Collaboration Police Lead

Recognised there will be opportunities for new sports facilities to support the
additional population of Colchester. Advised that all sport provision is designed to be safe
and inclusive, this will support in prevention of crime and ASB, while allowing all users to
feel included within proposed facilities. The DOCO would like to draw your attention
to schemes such as ‘Make Space for Girls campaign, (www.makespaceforgirls.co.uk/about-us); this initiative aims to incorporate the observations and opinions of teenage girls into the
design and development of new and existing play spaces. This is to ensure spaces are inclusive and safe for all users

Comment

Representation ID: 14116

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Emergency Services Collaboration Police Lead

The DOCO notes Paragraph (a) regarding the opportunities for new visitor attractions and
leisure facilities. It is advised there is engagement with the DOCO to ensure the facilities are
designed to be safe and inclusive. There should also be engagement with the Counter Terrorism Team regarding vehicle mitigation and other measures in support of The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn's Law.

Comment

Representation ID: 14117

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Emergency Services Collaboration Police Lead

Paragraph (b) incorporates the requirement for ‘safe’ active travel routes which is welcomed,
however the DOCO notes the requirements for new layouts to be permeable. Whilst we understand the need for easy and convenient routes it is essential that these routes do not encourage crime and ASB. Permeable layouts can allow easy access for persons with non-legitimate reason to enter new developments and facilities. Early engagement with the DOCO is encouraged to ensure all active travel routes are safe and sustainable.