Warwickshire Police Authority

Warwickshire Police Authority is to submit a new planning application to Warwick District Council in relation to the proposed redevelopment of the police headquarters site at Leek Wootton.

The plans include the demolition of the modern extension to Woodcote House and other buildings including the present training and residential block as well as the erection of a new, purpose built operational base. Planning applications are to be submitted to the District Council for the re-use of Woodcote House for offices, or alternatively as a residential institution. No new buildings are proposed in association with the future use of Woodcote House.

The new application will be submitted to Warwick District Council in May 2008. The original planning application was refused planning permission by the district planning authority against the recommendation of the planning officer for the granting of planning permission. The Police Authority intends to appeal against that decision. The appeal will be considered by the Planning Inspectorate in the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Philip Blundell, chair of Warwickshire Police Authority, said: “Residents and interested parties have been invited to an exhibition at police headquarters where the plans will be on show and planning consultants, senior police officers and representatives of Warwickshire Police Authority will be available to discuss the proposals.

The new proposals have been developed following a fundamental review of our estate to ensure it directly contributes to our commitment to protect the people of Warwickshire from harm. The review has confirmed the strategic importance of Leek Wootton within our overall estate, but also reinforced the fact that the current accommodation on the site is not fit for purpose and that there is a need to rationalise the various accommodation to provide modern facilities for the future.

The development will also ensure a continuation of the long relationship the force has had with the residents of Leek Wootton.”

The exhibition will be open between 4pm and 8pm on Friday April 25 and between 9am and 12 noon on Saturday April 26.