We’ve recently had a number of enquiries from clients who have been advised by their local planning authority to aim for Secured by Design — in some cases, specifically to meet Gold Standard.
For many self-builders, this can feel like an unfamiliar and slightly opaque requirement.
What exactly is Secured by Design for self build projects, and what does it mean in practice when designing your own home?
What is Secured by Design?
Secured by Design (SBD) is a police-backed initiative that promotes designing out crime through the built environment.
It provides guidance and accreditation based on principles such as:
- natural surveillance
- secure access points
- clear boundary definition
- appropriate lighting
- robust doors and windows
The aim is not to make homes feel defensive, but to make them less vulnerable to crime through good design.
Why are planners asking for it?
In recent years, many local planning authorities have placed greater emphasis on safety and security as part of good design.
This can appear in:
- local plan policies
- design codes
- pre-application advice
- planning conditions
As a result, applicants may be asked to:
- demonstrate how their design responds to SBD principles
- achieve a particular level of compliance
- in some cases, meet Secured by Design Gold Standard
What does “Gold Standard” mean?
Secured by Design operates at different levels, with Gold Standard representing a higher level of compliance.
This typically involves:
- meeting specific product standards (e.g. certified doors and windows)
- demonstrating that layout and design reduce opportunities for crime
- aligning with recognised SBD guidance documents
It is not simply a matter of adding security features at the end of the design process — it needs to be considered from the outset.
How does it affect a self-build design?
In practice, SBD considerations often influence:
1. Site layout
- positioning of entrances
- visibility of access routes
- relationship between house and street
2. Windows and doors
- specification of secure products
- placement to maximise natural surveillance
3. Boundaries
- clear definition between public and private space
- appropriate use of fencing, walls or planting
4. Lighting
- ensuring key areas are visible without excessive glare
These are generally sensible design principles, but they do need to be integrated early.
Does it add cost?
There can be some cost implications, particularly where:
- certified doors and windows are required
- additional external lighting is specified
- boundary treatments need to be upgraded
However, these costs are usually modest in the context of the overall build, and can often be managed through early design decisions. And ultimately, you’re making your future home more secure, which is never a bad investment.
The key to compliance: early consideration
The most important point is that Secured by Design for self build projects should not be treated as a late-stage add-on.
Trying to retrofit compliance after a design has been developed can be:
- inefficient
- more expensive
- potentially problematic at planning stage
When considered early, SBD principles tend to align naturally with good design.
Final thoughts
Secured by Design is increasingly part of the planning landscape, particularly on new residential developments.
While it can initially feel like an additional layer of complexity, it is ultimately about creating homes that are:
- safer
- more robust
- better considered in their surroundings
And, when approached in the right way, it rarely conflicts with good architectural design.
