For residents considering the installation of security gates
Security gating and fixed barriers in entryways are one way of regaining control of the neighbourhood and are of help towards the security of homes and businesses in the area.
There are two main types of entryways that may cause concern for residents.
- The first is the entryways that are owned and maintained by multiple residents whose properties/land have side or rear access to them. This does not include semi-detached or detached properties with shared drives. Identification of access rights can usually be made from the deeds to the property to which this applies.
- The other type of entryway is a public right of way and these cannot be gated or closed off, although they may, in some cases have the type of barrier erected which restricts use by cars and motorbikes whilst allowing pedestrians, wheelchair users and pushchairs access.
Planning permission is not normally required for the gating of entryways as long as the gates/barriers do not exceed 2 metres in height and the installation is behind the existing front line of the adjoining properties. However, it may be prudent to take a look at our online planning page [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/110/planning applications/1333/online planning map] if you have any concerns about if it is public right of way or adopted highway. If it is believed that a higher gate/barrier is required then planning permission must be gained from the Council's planning department first.
It is advisable that gates are designed with security in mind and they are constructed of metal and are finished in suitable metal paint.
The suggested process for starting a self-help scheme is as follows.
Guidance for starting a Gating Scheme
- Identify the requirements of your area – you can either walk the area or obtain a map (obtainable from the Land Registry, Torrington Avenue, Coventry for a small fee) to identify all entries and the access rights for the entry(s) concerned. All access points will need to be gated to ensure the security of an area.
- Canvas the neighbourhood informally to get a general feel of the response you are likely to receive.
- For large schemes you may wish to form a residents group or committee and hold a meeting/s as needed to keep people informed at one time. If only a few properties are involved then door-to-door would be more appropriate.
- Obtain guideline quotes for installation. Gate manufacturers can be found in the Yellow Pages. Make sure the quote includes padlocks, keys, painting if needed and removal of excavated material.
- Calculate the approximate cost to each household based on the quotes. (It is a good idea when working out the costs to allow for not all residents being able to contribute to the scheme.) 10% is a guideline for the likely shortfall.
Example: One gate costing £600 between 10 houses equals £60 per house.
Shortfall allowance of 10% = £600 between 9 houses cost £66.67 per house.
These costs are only an example and may not reflect the cost of the actual gates chosen by for your scheme
All legal owners of a property with legal access rights to a particular entrance are entitled to a key regardless of whether they have made a contribution or not (this would be passed onto a tenant or directly to them). - Letterbox drop all residents involved informing them of the proposals and include the approximate cost to each household. Try to arrange a residents' meeting if needed. Enclose a form for them to sign (see example) [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/27716/gating_scheme_-_sample_form] with their agreement. If there are any residents who object to the scheme request it is recommended you request their objections in writing.
- All residents with access rights should agree to the proposals. If there are objections then alternative siting of the gates may have to be considered this could lead to additional expense to the scheme.
- If proceeding with the scheme elect at least two unrelated persons to take responsibility for all monies (fundraising may be necessary, especially in areas where there are a lot of elderly residents). A bank account should be opened requiring two signatures, it would be advised to open this in a "scheme name" (eg cliff street gating). All accounts should be available for inspection by the contributing residents.
- When all the above has taken place you can start the process for the installation of your gates/barriers. Remember to keep all the residents informed of progress.