Castle redevelopment project gets backing from locals
A CALL to move Pembroke Dock's police station from its Water Street location to a former council building has been narrowly backed despite safety fears raised by local residents.
In an application recommended for approval at the April meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council's planning committee, Dyfed Powys Police, through agent Asbri Planning Ltd is seeking a change of use of the former Public Information Centre, Argyle Street, Pembroke Dock to a police station.
A supporting statement says the former council public information centre has been deemed surplus to requirements due to changes in working patterns, with Dyfed Powys Police declaring a strong interest in purchasing the property 'to enable a more efficient building to house their new model hub for policing' than its current building in nearby Water Street.
It adds: 'Should planning be approved, Dyfed Powys Police will progress with the sale of the current police station with the property then being advertised for sale on the open market.'
The application had been recommended for approval at the March meeting but was deferred pending a site visit after concerns were raised by local residents that the scheme would have 'a significant impact on working families and children,' with emergency vehicles potentially leaving at high speed from the busy road.
Speaking again at the April meeting on behalf of local residents, Lucy Cawley said the move would lead to 'constant streams of traffic' from emergency vehicles, with restricted access from the site.
'The primary concern is around safety, the access in and out is restricted with poor visibility,' she told committee members.
A sticking point for members was a previous initial recommendation – since removed – of a second entrance for the site, with Cllr Tony Wilcox calling for further negotiation with Dyfed-Powys Police over that.
His views were echoed by Cllr Micheal Williams who called for a deferral for discussions to 'satisfy everyone'.
However, members were told they must decide on the application before them, with the applicants not intending to provide a second access.
Local member Cllr Brian Hall had previously asked: 'Do we want a police station in Pembroke Dock, or do we want it to be like Milford Haven without one?'
Cllr Mark Carter, who had seconded local member Cllr Brian Hall's move to approve and had previously proposed the site visit, said: 'We've got to take this, I'm sorry for the residents but we as members have got to grow up her and make a decision on this one way or another; if we do anything else it's just going to go round in circles.'
The application was approved by eight votes to six.
Dyfed-Powys Police was recently granted permission for a police unit for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) at a former carpenter's unit in Feidr Castell, Fishguard.
The force also announced it is to sell Narberth Police Station and relocate to a new base with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services (MAWWFRS) in nearby Spring Gardens.
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