This free to attend event providers planners, architects, developers and the security industry with an opportunity to come together, gain a better understanding of the issues related to security in the planning system and discuss solutions that can be deployed during planning with greater support from the private sector.

Crime prevention and community safety have been material considerations in the planning system for many years in recognition that designing out crime and designing in safety supports the creation of vibrant, environmentally and economically sustainable communities.

Planning policy recognises the need for local plans to address local challenges and the importance of good design in reducing crime and the fear of crime. To date, this has largely been achieved through collaboration between planners and police advisors who understand local issues. Evidence has shown that relatively simple planning interventions, principally focused at deterring volume crimes, have supported reduced crime and fear of crime.

Today, the security challenges facing our urban environments have become increasingly complex to predict and to mitigate. Crowded places, our infrastructure and public realm are targets of, and can be vulnerable to terrorism, serious and organised crime. In recent years we have witnessed a remarkable increase in the tempo of major security incidents here in the UK.

The public quite rightly expect to be protected and there are solutions available to protect them. However, those committing these crimes are determined, can rapidly change tactics and often choose soft targets such as crowded places. Effective solutions are derived from a combination of security minded spatial planning, design, engineering and management of space. The most operationally effective and cost effective solutions will be found early in development planning and can dramatically reduce both the likelihood and impact of incidents. Without doubt, what works in one place may not work in another, and specialist input is required to find solutions that are appropriate and proportionate. The scale of the task ahead is significant and to protect our existing and developing built environment will require increased collaboration between the public and private sector. We will have to be more determined to succeed than our adversaries.

Speakers include:

• Steve Quartermain (Chief Planning Officer, DCLG)

• Richard Harding (Head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office)

• Nick Bennett (Head of Security, Canary Wharf)

• Paul Seddon (Chief Planner for Nottingham City Council & Vice President of the Planning Officers Society)

• Other respected figures from the design and security fields.

The event provides 5 hours formal CPD.