Demolition of Warks police HQ site is given the go ahead

[dutchman]

Plans to demolish much of Warwickshire Police’s headquarters at Leek Wootton were approved this week.

The force had reapplied for listed building consent to knock down the 1960s extension to the original 1861 Woodcote building, as well as many outbuildings.

But Warwick District Council’s planning committee asked for a guarantee that it would have plans for any replacement before demolition could go ahead - and that historic former stables would have some protection.

Warwickshire Police had originally applied for demolition when it had plans to build a major new headquarters on the site. The force now plans to market the land for use as a care home. Leek Wootton parish council had called for the listed stables to be protected - as well as many trees originally proposed to be felled.

The committee voted unanimously to allow demolition, with a condition that work could not begin until a replacement is approved.

[dutchman]

Warwickshire Police's former HQ up for sale



THE FORMER headquarters of Warwickshire Police at Leek Wootton is being put up sale.

Property specialists GVA are marketing the site, which includes the Grade II listed Woodcote House, other former police buildings and surrounding grounds.

The money raised from the sale – the site is open to offers – will be pumped back into future policing budgets says Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe.

The remaining policing functions based at the site will be moved to other locations in Warwickshire including the multi-million pound new control room at Stuart Ross House in Warwick.

The site is included for residential development within Warwick District Council’s Local Plan, for 115 new homes, including the conversion of Woodcote House into 12 apartments.

But while the property is earmarked for homes in the Local Plan, proposals incorporating other viable uses will also be considered.

[dutchman]

Leek Wootton protest over ex-police HQ homes plan



People living near Leek Wootton are protesting against plans to build 83 new homes on the site of Warwickshire Police's former headquarters.

The land is owned by Cala Homes and a six-day public inquiry is set to decide whether the project will go ahead.

The developer says it has been working on sustainable plans, however residents have expressed concerns about wildlife habitats being destroyed.

Warwick District Council has been contacted for comment.

Leek Wootton features in the council's plan for new housing, with two planning applications for residential development being submitted.

But as the local authority did not reach a decision within the permitted period, Cala Homes went on to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

The government executive agency has agreed a review into proposals for the development of the 35-acre site, starting on 25 July.

Harry Wilson [pictured], from the Leek Wootton Focus Group, said: "There are numerous protected species including otters, bats, badgers.

"We've also done a detailed tree and traffic report and submitted them to the council over the last year but have had no reply."

A campaigner added: "This is going to be an ecological disaster - we are going to lose many trees and many hedges and the traffic is going to be a real problem."

Another said: "No one has come along to explain what is going to happen, it's really pretty shabby in my opinion."

A spokesperson for Cala Homes said the developer was working closely with Warwick District Council to create a "sustainable development that will deliver much-needed new homes".

The designs would be in line with "all planning policy including biodiversity net gain", the spokesperson added.

[dutchman]

Plans on 83-home development approved by inspector



An 83-home development will go ahead on the site of a former police headquarters after it was approved by a planning inspector.

The Planning Inspectorate has given Cala Homes permission to develop the land still occupied by Warwickshire Police in Woodcote Lane, Leek Wootton.

Warwick District Council had opposed the scheme due to concerns over its scale and impact on nature and heritage.

But, the planning inspector concluded it had "significant benefits" which outweighed other considerations.

The site consists of open grassland and smaller parcel currently being used for parking, in the setting of Grade II-listed Woodcote House.

Cala Homes was refused council planning permission twice and appealed after the authority failed to reach a decision in the prescribed timescale, the appeal decision said.

In his 44-page decision, the planning inspector outlined his reasons for allowing the appeal.

He considered whether the development complied with the local plan, and its impact on the setting, highway safety, and conservation area.

"It is clear that there is a significant need for market and affordable housing in Warwick," the inspector wrote.

"The housing would make an important contribution to meeting that requirement."

He added the delivery of 40% affordable homes would be "very welcome" and smaller units would meet the need for first-time buyers and young families.

He also concluded the development would be acceptable in highways and pedestrian safety terms.

Residents have previously protested against the plans, citing concerns over wildlife.

The planning inspector ruled any harm to the character and setting of Woodcote House and local conservation area was offset by the scheme's benefits.

He imposed conditions limiting the number of dwellings to 83, and a requirement for detailed plans of protection for wildlife during construction.

He also asked for a scheme to show how woodland areas would be used for recreation and public access.

The inspector judged the council's decision should be overturned as the proposal delivered "significant benefits, particularly in relation to housing and supporting Leek Wootton’s status as a growth village".

While the development conflicted with the local development plan, "material considerations indicate that a decision should be made other than in accordance with it", he concluded.

Cala Homes has submitted an application for costs, which will be considered at a later date.