CPTED / Safer By Design Reports 
 

A CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) / Safer by Design Report is an essential part of the development application process, required by many councils to assess crime risk and ensure safe, well-designed spaces. These reports provide practical, evidence-based recommendations to enhance safety, security, and functionality while integrating with planning, architectural, and legislative requirements.​

It is important to note that a Safer by Design Report is not the same as a Safe Design Report required under Safe Work Australia for construction projects, nor is it related to technological security or minimising online threats. Instead, a CPTED / Safer by Design Report focuses on the built environment, assessing how physical design influences safety and crime prevention in public and private spaces.

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At The Design Partnership, we specialise in preparing CPTED / Safer by Design Reports that go beyond generic assessments. We work directly with architects, urban designers, and landscape architects to ensure recommendations are practical, achievable, and aligned with your project's broader design, planning, and operational constraints.

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What's in a CPTED / Safer by Design Report?

A CPTED report is a structured document that assesses potential crime risks and provides design and management solutions to mitigate them. The report includes:

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• Site and Locality Analysis: Examining the surrounding environment, existing crime trends, and key influences on safety.

• Crime Risk Assessment: Identifying potential crime risks based on site conditions, proposed design, and local context.

• Design Review and Recommendations: Assessing the proposal against CPTED principles, with specific recommendations to enhance natural surveillance, access control, territorial reinforcement, environmental maintenance, space and activity management and the Three D's.

• Management Strategies: Where necessary, operational measures such as security policies, surveillance systems, or tenancy arrangements are included in a Plan of Management.

• Compliance with Council Requirements: Developing a report meets local council CPTED development consent and approval standards.

What Your CPTED Consultant Will Do.

A qualified CPTED consultant trained by NSW Police, plays a key role in assessing and improving your development's safety and compliance. At The Design Partnership, our CPTED consulting services include:

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• Site Visits & Crime Analysis: Reviewing the development site and local crime data to assess risk factors.

• Collaboration with the Design Team: Working with architects, landscape architects, and planners to integrate CPTED principles into the design without compromising aesthetics or functionality.

• Identifying Practical Solutions: CPTED is not just about adding more lighting or security measures—it's about modifying design elements to naturally reduce risk while ensuring the development meets all planning and legislative requirements.

• Preparation of the CPTED Report: Providing a clear, structured document that councils can assess as part of the development application process.

• Support Through the Approval Process: Assisting developers, architects, and project teams in responding to council feedback or refining CPTED strategies as needed.

Why Choose a Qualified CPTED Consultant?

The majority of councils require CPTED reports to be prepared by a consultant with formal training from the NSW Police. Kristy Cianci, Director of The Design Partnership, is a qualified architect, urban designer, and CPTED expert who has completed the NSW Police Safer by Design training, making her fully qualified to prepare CPTED reports that meet council requirements.

In addition to preparing CPTED / Safer by Design Reports, Kristy serves as:

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• An expert witness in the Land and Environment Court for CPTED-related matters.

• A member of three Urban Design Review Panels for local government, providing CPTED and urban design advice on various development applications.

• An architect and urban designer with extensive experience across various project types, ensuring CPTED recommendations are realistic and practical.

Ensure Your Development Application Meets CPTED Requirements

A CPTED / Safer by Design Report is a key component of the development approval process, and engaging a qualified CPTED consultant early facilitates a smooth pathway to consent. At The Design Partnership, we provide CPTED reports that are thorough, practical, and aligned with council expectations—helping you create safer, more resilient developments.

Need a CPTED report for your development application? Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with your project.