COMMUNITY SAFETY TEAM
GUIDANCE NOTES 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 are 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 motor bikes 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 contact the Planning
Advice desk (024 76831213) if you have any concerns. If it is believed that a higher
gate/barrier is required then planning permission must be gained from the City Councils
planning department first.
It is advisable that gates are designed with security in mind and they are constructed of
metal and are finished in a suitable metal paint.
The suggested process for starting a self-help scheme is as follows.
Guidance for starting a Gating Scheme
1. 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.
2. Canvas the neighbourhood informally to get a general feel of the response you are
likely to receive.
3. 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.
4. Obtain guideline quotes for installation. Gate manufacturers can be found in the Yellow
Pages. Make sure the quote include padlocks, keys, painting if needed and removal of
excavated material.
5. 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.
n.b. 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)
6. 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) with their agreement. If there are any
residents who object to the scheme request it is recommended you request their
objections in writing.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
Sample Form
BELOW IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE TYPE OF AGREEMENT FORM WHICH
IT IS ADVISABLE FOR ORGANISERS TO DISTRIBUTE FOR RESIDENTS
APPROVAL OF GATING SCHEME
SECURITY GATING WORKS
NAME OF SCHEME
…………………………………………..
Please complete the following:
Name of Occupier
……………………………………………
Name of Owner
(If different from above)
……………………………………………
Address of Property
……………………………………………
Post Code
……………………………………………
Telephone Number
……………………………………………
Address of owner
(If different from above)
……………………………………………
……………………………………………
……………………………………………
Signature of Occupier
……………………………………………
Signature of Owner
(If different from above)
……………………………………………
In
signing
this
group/organisation)
agreement
issued
by
(insert
here
name
of
resident’s
I agree to:
1.
Accept the installation of security gates/barriers as detailed and
described by the organising committee.
2.
To accept an equal share of the costs and responsibility for any future
repair and maintenance that may be required to keep the security
measures in good repair.
PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM TO
……………………………………………………….
BY
……………………………………………………….