Hea 07 - Safe and accessible design

Areas in the public domain - KBCN0587

Where areas within the site boundary will be public domain after construction, and the design/specification has been determined by the local authority/statutory body/planning permission etc, they can be excluded from the assessment of the 'Safe Access' criteria. Evidence would be required to demonstrate that this was the case. Where the client/design team do not have control of the design of these areas, the development should not be prevented from achieving the credit.

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Outside space – Disturbance from sources of noise - KBCN1888

The requirements set out in the Definitions must be met in as far as is practicable, considering any specific site constraints. For some developments, particularly industrial or large retail sites, it may not always be possible to avoid areas that will have disturbance from sources of noise. In such cases, the project team must provide justification, with reference to a marked-up site plan, to demonstrate that the outdoor space is situated the most appropriate available area and meets the requirements as far as possible. Where the use of the outdoor space is compromised by unavoidable disturbance from sources of noise, the project team must seek to mitigate this where it is practical to do so, for instance through the introduction of screening or planting. It is the role of the assessor to review the approach taken and determine whether, accounting for any mitigation measures and residual disturbance, the outdoor space provides a practical and comfortable amenity that is suitable for its intended use.

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Restricted movement within a secure perimeter - KBCN000009

Where the movement of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles is tightly controlled within a secure perimeter due to security considerations, these areas do not need to strictly meet the safe access criteria. However, justification and evidence provided by an appropriate member of the project team must demonstrate how the layout, measures and secure nature of the site result in a safe environment for cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicle access, in line with intent of each criterion. Where a criterion is not applicable due to the secure nature of the site, this should be noted and justified in the assessment report.  

24 May 2024 - New guidance introduced to ensure that safe pedestrian, cycle and vehicle movement is considered, even on secure sites with restricted movement.
* As this is a significant change, for any registered assessments where the assessor demonstrates that they have already advised the project team based on the previous guidance, the assessment can continue on that basis. 

08 Jun 2022 Applicability to UK NC2018 confirmed

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