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Gating scheme

'Alley-Gating' is a very simple and effective crime preventative measure that involves erecting gates to the ends of alley-ways and passages. The City Council offers grants to contribute towards the cost of resident-led gating schemes.

How the gating scheme can help cut crime

Gating alleyways and passages running behind and between homes can help cut crime, reduce the opportunities for anti-social behaviour like drug taking and dog fouling and help create safe play areas for children. They can also improve community spirit by creating a sense of local ownership of the alleyways and gates.

The Community Safety Team offers grants to contribute towards the costs of resident-run gating schemes. Since 2000, grants have helped fund resident-run schemes protecting more than 15,000 homes across the city.

Anyone interested in establishing a gating scheme is advised to contact the Council's Gating Officer before starting work to ensure the proposed plans are possible and to find out if funding is available.

Advice for residents considering the installation of security gating

There are two main types of entryways that may cause concern for residents:

• Entryways 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 identified from the deeds to the property to which this applies.
• Designated public rights of way which cannot be gated or closed off. In some cases barriers could be erected that restrict use by cars and motorbikes whilst allowing access for pedestrians, wheelchair users and pushchairs. In some circumstances access to these Rights of Way can be restricted using Gating Order powers available under the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005.

Planning permission is not normally required for the gating of entryways as long as the gates/barriers do not exceed two metres in height and the installation is behind the existing front line of the adjoining properties. However, it's a good idea to contact the Planning Advice desk (telephone: 024 76831213) if you have any concerns and if it is believed that a higher gate/barrier is required then planning permission must be gained from the Council.

It is a requirement of the criteria for a grant that gates are constructed of metal and designed with security in mind and are finished in a suitable metal paint.

Suggested process for starting a self-help scheme

The following are suggested steps for people interested in installing gating using the Self-Help Gating Grant Scheme.

1. Identify the requirements of your area – you can either walk the area or obtain a map (obtainable for a small fee from the Land Registry, Torrington Avenue, Coventry ) to identify 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. Approach a few of the parties who have shown interest to form a residents' group or committee. These will be the backbone of any further action. A constitution statement should be drawn up.
4. Obtain guideline quotes for installation. Gate manufacturers can be found in the Yellow Pages. If the quotes do not include padlocks, painting and removal of excavated material remember to allow for these items.
5. Work out 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 to cover 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. 
Note - these costs are only an example and may not reflect the cost of the actual gates chosen by for your scheme
All residents with access rights are entitled to a key regardless of whether they have made a contribution or not. 

6. Letterbox drop all residences involved informing them of the proposals and include the approximate cost to each household, try to arrange a public meeting.  Enclose a form for them to sign (see example) with their agreement.  If there are any residents who object to the scheme request their objections in writing.
7. All residents should agree to the proposals, if there are objections, alternative siting of the gates may have to be considered and this could lead to extra expense to the scheme.  The Community Safety Team will help and advise in this situation.
8. If proceeding with the scheme, elect at least two unrelated persons to take responsibility for all money(fundraising may be necessary especially in areas where there are a lot of elderly residents). A bank account requiring at least two signatures needs to be opened in the name of the residents' group. This will be the bank account that any grant cheque will be paid into. All accounts should be available for inspection.
9. When all the above has taken place you can start the programme for the installation of your gates/barriers. Remember to keep all the residents informed of progress.

More information

There may be funding available to assist with the costs. Guidance notes and an application form for funding are available for you to download below.

Contact details

To request further information contact:

Downloadable documents