[VIDEO] Waltham Connect receives ATLAS award for secure, design-led approach

A major new business park in Waltham Abbey, Essex, has been recognised with a Secured by Design (SBD) ATLAS Award for Commercial Development, following its successful delivery of a safe, secure and high-quality industrial environment

The site, previously known as Cartersfield, is now formally named Waltham Connect and was awarded the SBD Gold accreditation in August 2024.

Comprising four commercial units on Cartersfield Road, the scheme provides 57 parking bays and secure cycle parking for 21 bicycles. It was developed by Qualis Homes Group, with ongoing input from Essex Police Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO) Caroline Peters throughout the project’s lifecycle, from pre-planning through to delivery.

The project builds upon an already strong working relationship between Caroline and Qualis from previous residential developments. As soon as the land was acquired, the developer engaged Caroline in early discussions to embed crime prevention into the proposals. This pre-emptive collaboration proved crucial in aligning site security with the development’s commercial use and long-term functionality.

Key interventions included:

• early-stage input on doorset standards
• access control solutions
• secure gate mechanisms

Caroline also advised on boundary treatments that balanced effective perimeter security with a welcoming aesthetic, ensuring the site did not present a ‘fortress mentality’ while remaining appropriately risk-commensurate.

Although local crime data did not initially indicate high risk, Caroline identified the change of use as a potential concern and advocated for enhanced physical security standards. This led to the adoption of SBD Police Preferred Specification products beyond the minimum PAS requirement – reflecting a proactive stance rather than a reactive one.

One notable challenge centred on an existing palisade fence to the north and west boundaries. The developer initially sought to retain it based on its appearance in site visuals. Caroline recommended an in-person inspection before agreement could be given. Following a successful site visit, the fencing was deemed suitable and retained, saving the developer time and cost without compromising security.

Since initial occupation, there have been no reports of crime associated with the development, according to both Police UK data and local police systems.

DOCO Caroline Peters praised the developer’s commitment:

“The team at Qualis Group consistently treat crime prevention as a material planning consideration, regardless of whether they are delivering full units or shell-only constructions. They remained fully engaged throughout the process, continuously asking the right questions and actively working to ensure the scheme met SBD standards. The result is a secure, contemporary commercial estate that complements its surroundings and sets a benchmark for future phases of development in the Brooker Road Industrial Estate.”

Waltham Connect demonstrates that commercial premises can be both functional and secure without sacrificing design integrity. With further units now in planning, Caroline continues to work alongside Qualis and Epping Forest District Council to ensure future developments build on the successes of this project.

Caroline was presented with the award at Secured by Design’s ATLAS training event by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives CEO Guy Ferguson and South Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Lauren Poultney, the head of profession for police Designing Out Crime Officers.

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