This form of layout is beneficial as it will ensure the public realm is well observed by people in their homes and it will ensure that rear boundaries are not exposed. The feeling of public safety will be improved for people in the public realm if they feel they can be seen by others in nearby houses. One preferable form of development is the perimeter block, which can be of any shape, in which dwelling fronts face outwards towards streets or open spaces and the rear gardens interlock with one another. Developments should not include areas of left over space. Left over space is not clearly either part of the public or private realm.
Ownership is unclear and the space often becomes neglected.
It is often these types of spaces which become host to anti-social behaviour and in some cases criminal activities. Where this problem exists, measures should be taken to re-define boundaries by extending gardens to include formerly neglected or underused open space. Developments should ideally have a mix of dwelling types. By mixing the type and size of dwellings there is an increased likelihood of attracting a mixture of people with a variety of life styles. This can increase the likelihood of some residents being at home at any given time of the day.