Secured by Design – 2016 Changes

Recent changes to Secured by Design bring it in line with new Building Regulations Part Q, and allow the scheme to respond to the large increase in conversions from commercial to residential. We are successfully providing bespoke Secure by Design advice to a number of clients and working to obtain in-principle agreements from the local Architectural Liaison Officer, ensuring smooth and efficient certification.

As of the 1st June 2016, all Secured by Design applications are required to comply with the new ‘Secured by Design Homes 2016’ guidance document. This incorporates recent changes to the Building Regulations (Approved Document Q) which has introduced physical security standards for new homes. It also incorporates the three new levels of security (*bronze, silver and gold*) and the document now also caters for the security of all homes, including major or minor refurbishments, whereas the previous guidance document was only applicable to new homes. This allows, at the Architectural Liaison Officer’s discretion, listed buildings to be accredited even if the original fittings have to remain. Furthermore, it allows compliance for buildings where bespoke products have to be installed due a lack of commercially available approved products.