A new affordable housing development in Cowdenbeath has received a Secured by Design certificate from Police Scotland.

The award was presented to David Leaf, land manager at Bellway and Councillor Judy Hamilton, Fife Council’s executive spokesperson for housing and building services, for the completion of phase one of a development of new homes at Leuchatsbeath.

Leuchatsbeath is a collection of 49 family homes including a mix of one to five bedroom properties including amenity and wheelchair bungalows. Now fully occupied, the development was completed by Bellway in December 2015 on behalf of Fife Council as part of its commitment to build 2,700 new affordable homes by 2017.

Secured by Design is a UK initiative to reduce levels of crime by working with local partners to identify and address any areas of concern to improve security at the design stage of the development. It can lead to a reduction in insurance costs for residents as developments within the initiative are 85 per cent less likely to experience crime.

Commenting on the presentation of the certificate, Irene Ralston, chief inspector, Police Scotland, said: “I am delighted to have been invited to present the Secured by Design award for this development. Taking steps to prevent crime remains a crucial part of policing. It’s important that Police Scotland continue to support partners throughout these development projects in an effort to keep people safe in the future.”

Work on the development began in November 2014 with the first occupiers moving in in June last year. A second phase of a further 22 family homes is due for completion early next year.

Councillor Judy Hamilton added: “It’s great to be here today to celebrate this good quality affordable housing as part of our programme delivering more new affordable housing for Fife. Not only are these new homes modern, fit for purpose and energy efficient, they’re part of a community that’s been designed with safety in mind. We can’t underestimate the positive impact that this can have on the lives of families who have been waiting on one of these homes.”

Leuchatsbeath forms part of a wider investment by Bellway in the community, who have been building in Cowdenbeath since 2008.

David Leaf said: “Leuchatsbeath is a terrific example of how collaborative working can lead to real improvements and benefits for residents and the wider local community.”

Secured by Design was launched in Scotland in 1989 and is designed to improve security by adopting crime prevention measures reducing the opportunity for crime and the fear of crime.

The initiative covers development aspects such as footpath designs, lighting, communal areas, car parking and planning, as well as security aspects within the properties including patio doors, windows and garages.