05 May 2020
Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn has revealed planning application documents for the proposed construction of a new Policing Hub and Custody Suite for Dyfed Powys Police, to be built at land west of Heol Aur, Dafen, Llanelli.
The new build is to be an ambitious sustainable construction, with a BREEAM excellence rating. BREEAM related developments offer more sustainable environments that enhance the well-being of the people who live and work within them, and help protect natural resources.
Amongst some of the sustainable credentials of the new build will be a photovoltaic solar power installation to minimise the carbon footprint of the building; a rainwater harvesting facility for toilets and non-potable water, and electric car charging facilities.
Earlier in 2019, Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn approved a decision to pursue the purchase of a Welsh Government-owned site in Dafen, valued at £150,000, for the purpose of constructing the new Policing hub.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said; “This is a major investment for us which will see an ambitious, modern, sustainable fit for purpose policing hub and custody suite that will meet the needs and expectations of modern policing.
“We are still very much in the early stages in terms of the planning permission process, but I’m pleased to have reached this point in the process. I’ve worked extremely hard with partners over the last couple of years to get to this position, and to announce and make public the initial planning application documents for the proposed new construction”.
As well as the planning consultation documents, proposed building plans and supporting documents have also been made available as part of a pre-application public consultation period. The consultation provide those who may be interested in the proposals with an opportunity to view the draft application package and express their views.
Usually, all planning consultation and application documents would be available to the public at their local library and online. However, due to current circumstances with government enforcing social distance measures due to COVID-19, libraries within the local area are closed. As such, anyone who wishes to view the application package are able to visit Asbri Planning’s website to view all documents; www.asbriplanning.co.uk/statutory-pre-application-consultation, or to contact their office on 02920 732652.
Public consultations on planning applications usually last for 28 days, but due to the current circumstances, the consultation period has been extended by five working days to 35 days, to account for any delays associated with the circumstances.
Anyone who wishes to make representations about this proposed development must do so by the 25th June 2020.
Dafydd Llywelyn said, “All these planning documents have now been made available for public consultation. I encourage local residents in Llanelli and the wider community to obtain the planning application pack from agents Asbri Planning, and should they wish to submit any comments, they can do so by writing formally to colleagues at Asbri.”
The new Custody Suite will be one of seven custody locations across the force area with others located in Newtown, Ammanford, Brecon, Cardigan, Aberystwyth and Haverfordwest.
Chief Inspector Richard Hopkin, Dyfed-Powys Police’s operational lead on the new build, said: “We feel very fortunate to be having a new build custody suite and hub coming to Llanelli.
“Our current Llanelli estate is old, so to see a new build that is being designed with such consideration for the environment and the wellbeing of our staff and the community within which it sits is really positive.
“This build will not replace the existing presence of our neighbourhood team in Llanelli town centre, but will enhance the service across the town and the wider communities.”
Once planning is granted, the aim is to complete the construction of the new build within a period of two years.
Heddwyn Thomas, Director of Estates at the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner at Dyfed Powys said, “The development will provide a fit for purpose future proof solution which will complement the town centre Neighbourhood Police Team base. This process brings us another step closer in the delivery of the new facility.”
ENDS
For more information, contact
Gruff Ifan, Police and Engagement Advisor, Office of Police and Crime Commissioner
Gruffudd.ifan.opcc@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk
