Council homes to 'tackle anti-social behaviour'
A proposed Canterbury City Council development will "tackle anti-social behaviour", the authority says
- Published
Homes designed with large windows will help to deter crime and anti-social behaviour on a new mini-estate in Kent, a council has said.
Canterbury City Council (CCC) has showcased how dormer windows on the top floor of houses off Sturry Road are planned to encourage "passive surveillance".
The windows overlooking communal areas in the L-shape development also aim to "encourage chance encounters with neighbours", according to official papers.
The authority hopes to build the 11-home estate on land once belonging to the now-demolished Sturry Road Social Club, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
"The design evokes a working stable yard," the papers add.
In a detailed eight-point security plan, Bell Phillips Architects highlights how low garden walls, grounded bicycle anchors and "shrubs maintained at a maximum one metre height" will help keep the area trouble-free.
The firm stressed the proposals "remove opportunities for anti-social behaviour without any hidden corners".
The scheme will "bring a vacant site back into use, providing employment opportunities, and homes, enhancing the character and appearance of the site and surroundings", the council added.
'Residents value privacy'
However, nearby resident Christine Barber has voiced concern over being overlooked in a letter to the authority.
"Elderly residents in Elliot Close will need reassurance that there are no such windows to the rear of the proposed bungalows, as these would overlook the back of the retirement properties," she said.
"The elderly and vulnerable residents of Elliot Close value their privacy and sense of security."
The L-shape design will provide "passive surveillance", according to architects
The council's planning committee is to make a decision at a meeting in the city's Guildhall on Tuesday.
Officers have recommended that members vote to approve the development.
If plans progress, each home will have a private garden and an overhang before the front door.
Despite being bungalows, each property will also have an additional bedroom and storage area in the roof space.
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