B3.5.1 Maximising natural surveillance

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how public and private areas are distinctly defined within the development, including:

• identification of boundaries between public, semi-private, and private spaces

• details of boundary treatments, including type, height, materials

• the methods used to define these spaces, such as changes in landscaping, fencing, paving materials, building orientation, or level changes

• description of how these definitions contribute to privacy, security, and legibility within the site

• details of other security measures where relevant, including lighting, CCTV, bollards (which should conform with International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 22343-1), secure bike storage, or any other physical security features

For major developments this information must be presented within the Design and Access Statement (DAS).

There must be no blind spots (hiding places or secluded areas) created on any street through the placement of any structures, including trees and vegetation. Ensuring that:

• proposed street trees (standard tree) have a 1.8 metre clear stem to maintain visibility at ground level

• the height of any planting at maturity is taken into account

• building layouts prioritise passive surveillance by ensuring clear sightlines to public and shared spaces

• above-ground utilities structures, such as substations, meter boxes, or bin stores, are carefully located and designed to avoid creating hidden areas

• boundary treatments do not obstruct sightlines or create concealed spaces

Where new street trees are proposed adjacent to footways, cycleways, or shared surfaces, their placement must not obstruct existing or proposed street lighting, CCTV, or other above-or below-ground services (including cables and pipes). This must include ensuring that:

• a minimum distance of 5 metres from the tree centre to any lighting column, CCTV unit, or major utility must be provided, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that the mature canopy and root system of the selected species will not cause interference

• where site constraints limit space or sightlines, a narrow (fastigiate) species must be selected to minimise canopy spread and maintain clear views

Further details on new tree planting are contained within B2, which must be read in conjunction with this code.

Planting located within 1 metre of a highway (including footways, cycleways, bridleways) or within forward visibility sightlines must be maintained at a maximum height of 0.5 metres. This ensures clear visibility, maximises natural surveillance and supports safe and secure design.