Church Seeks Approval for CCTV Installation Amid Rising Anti-Social Behaviour
A historic church in High Wycombe is taking urgent steps to address a growing concern over anti-social behaviour in its vicinity. All Saints Church, located on Church Street, has submitted an application to Buckinghamshire Council for the installation of CCTV cameras. The move comes after a significant increase in incidents that have left both clergy and members of the congregation feeling unsafe.
The Reverend Anthony Searle, who represents the church, described the situation as a “serious and ongoing threat” to public safety, especially for those attending the church. The churchyard has become a hotspot for various forms of misconduct, including knife crime, sexual activity, drug abuse, rough sleeping, drug dealing, and violent or abusive behaviour. These issues have raised serious concerns among the community, prompting the need for additional security measures.
The proposed installation of CCTV cameras aims to deter criminal activities and support local law enforcement in maintaining safety within the area. According to the application, a specific zone of vulnerability exists along the path through the churchyard from Castle Street to the south side of the church. Many members of the congregation, including clergy, have expressed fears about their personal safety when passing through the area at night. These concerns are based on personal experiences and accounts shared by others.
The church’s application outlines the plan to install two CCTV cameras on the south-east elevation of the building. This location was chosen as it is the least visible side of the structure from any public viewpoint. The cameras would be positioned approximately 5.5 metres above ground level. Detailed information and photographs have been included in the application to illustrate the placement and design of the equipment.
The cameras would be mounted just below the church’s crenellated parapet. The application notes that only one 19th-century stone block would be affected, with minimal drilling required. If the cameras are removed in the future, the small holes could easily be filled, ensuring no lasting damage to the historic structure.
The church is urging planners to approve the scheme quickly to protect the public and congregation from further harm. However, the process has not been straightforward. In September last year, planners refused the church’s initial application for a certificate of lawfulness for the CCTV cameras. Officers cited several technical points that prevented the council from issuing the certificate. As a result, the church was required to apply for planning permission, which is a more rigorous form of approval.
In a decision notice, officers stated that the new cameras could not be classified as ‘permitted development’ due to the church being a Grade I listed building. Additionally, some of the proposed cameras would be within 10 meters of each other, further complicating the approval process.
Despite these challenges, the church remains committed to ensuring the safety of its members and the wider community. The installation of CCTV is seen as a necessary step to address the current issues and prevent future incidents. The church hopes that with the support of local authorities and law enforcement, the area can be made safer for everyone.
