Government publishes first-ever guidance on planning and counter-terrorism measures

The Home Office and the Department for Communities and Local Government have issued practical advice for the first time to planners and designers in incorporating counter terrorism measures to reduce vulnerability in crowded places.

The government has also published guidance for local authorities, the police and businesses on how they can work better together and help protect the public in these locations.

The documents advise on implementing four key counter-terrorism design principles:

• Better blast resistance
• Better building management facilities
• Better traffic management and prevention of vehicle-borne explosives, and
• Better oversight.

The joint Home Office/DCLG publication, Crowded Places: The Planning System and Counter-Terrorism, focuses on the role of planning officers in particular.

Planning minister Ian Austin said: “Good use of the planning system can keep people safe. The new guidance will ensure councils and developers take a common sense approach to make buildings safer and reduce the risk of attack, while not compromising on good design, so our towns and cities are attractive and vibrant places to live.”

Home Office Security Minister Lord West said: “The police and security services do a great job in protecting the public but it is not a job for them or government alone. These documents will encourage local partners to play their part and take the necessary steps to make crowded places as safe as possible.”