Essex County Council have launched a new guide that aims to make public spaces safer and more inclusive for women and girls in the county.

It encourages developers, applicants, local authorities and other stakeholders to design schemes for new developments that address safety concerns.

The guidance has been produced by the council following engagement with Essex Police and the Essex Planning Officer’s Association.

It follows research by the council’s Safety Advisory Group that shows women and girls in the county feel most unsafe in urban areas that:

  • lack adequate visibility
  • have poor connectivity
  • are not active

This includes streets, parks, public transport stops and public spaces.

The guidance makes sure fears faced by women and girls are factored in urban planning and development.

Read more here: https://www.essex.gov.uk/news/2023/guide-launched-make-public-spaces-safer-women-and-girls