West Mercia Police HQ may be 'threatened by planning changes'
- Published
West Mercia Police's Hindlip Hall headquarters sits in an area of Green Belt land
Tougher planning controls around West Mercia Police's headquarters would threaten its "long-term viability", its police and crime commissioner believes.
West Mercia Police wants to carry out "necessary modernisation" at Hindlip Hall, which sits in Green Belt land.
Local councils are proposing clearer development boundaries at the hall that John Campion says may risk that work.
The future of Shrewsbury and Telford police stations are also due to be considered by planners.
The draft south Worcestershire plan, which proposes guidelines for future development, has been prepared jointly by Malvern Hills District, Worcester City and Wychavon District Council.
It follows a report they commissioned, external, which notes that some of the current development boundaries at Hindlip Hall are "far from distinct".
PCC John Campion is having "ongoing" discussions over the draft development plan
That report recommended clearer boundaries to "enable control over the form, density and height of development within the site in order to ensure that the sensitivity of the Green Belt is not compromised."
But Mr Campion, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), has asked for Hindlip to retain its current planning status.
A report to the area's Police and Crime Panel,, external which meets on Monday, states: "The content of the draft South Worcestershire Development Plan represents a significant risk in respect of the Hindlip Masterplan.
"If approved, this measure would call into question not just the viability of the site, but also the nationally significant emergency services which operate from it."
'Major investment'
The panel will also be told a "multi-million-pound investment" is needed to make its divisional headquarters in Shrewsbury fit for purpose.
"Major investment would also be required" at Telford's Malinsgate police station, the report said.
Options are "currently being appraised" by the forces and the office of the PCC, it adds.
Planners will be urged to consider operational requirements at the police stations, "balanced with affordability and best value for the public."
The panel is also due to discuss progress on a £16.7m firearms training facility and a new police and fire station in Redditch.
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