By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
A new CCTV camera will be installed at a Gedling car park in a bid to crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
The camera, which will be placed on a 12-metre pole overlooking Carlton Square’s car park, is being brought in by Gedling Borough Council to improve public safety in the area.
It will overlook and monitor properties in the middle of Carlton village, including retail, leisure and residential buildings.
The council approved its own application when the planning committee met on Wednesday (January 12).
Councillor Paul Wilkinson (Lab), who represents Carlton on the authority, told the meeting: “This sits in my ward so I’m very pleased to see it.
“I welcome extra measures being taken to combat anti-social behaviour and I have no hesitation in supporting this application.”
The council’s application states there has been a “number of complaints” regarding anti-social behaviour, shop thefts and general crime across the Carlton Square area.
A report published ahead of the meeting states: “As a result, it is considered that the erection of the pole and CCTV camera will reduce the fear of crime as well as helping with the detection of crime.
“Being located close to other cameras is important as it enables the proposed camera to link into an existing transmission pathway.”
The CCTV will be used to monitor the car park and nearby shops as a deterrent, record possible crimes in the area.
There are residential homes in the area, mainly to the north and east/south-east.
The report adds: “The proposed CCTV pole will be set centrally within the car park, offering a good deal of separation to the nearest residential dwellings.
“In any case, the purpose of the camera is not to impinge on the privacy of occupiers but to observe the public realm.”
Members of the planning committee unanimously approved the plans during Wednesday’s meeting.