An application to move Pembroke Dock’s police station from its “no longer fit for purpose” Water Street location to a former council building have been submitted to county planners.
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 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 statement says: “The Public information Centre was formerly used by Pembrokeshire Council to accommodate a number of services including adult and children social services and housing. The use of the building was predominantly used as an office for council operatives, however, due to a shift in working environment and the council employing a flexible approach to working, the use of the building was deemed surplus to requirements.
“Accordingly, the use of the building by the Council ceased in early 2024 and the and the services moved online. The building has been vacant since and it is an expense to the council to keep maintain the building with no business use.”
It goes on to say: “The proposed re-location of the police operation from Water Street to Argyle Street will require no alterations to the building; it is considered adequate for the intended use with no changes required.
“The nature of policing also means the transition should be seamless as it is akin to a business use moving back into the property. The office is served by adequate parking for the intended number of employees without a need for any additional spaces.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
County Councillor for the area Cllr Joshua Beynon met with Superintendent Craig Templeton this month on Argyle Street to discuss the proposed move of the Police Station.
Cllr Beynon has raised residents’ concerns regarding the move of the police station from its current location opposite the town library to the former council offices in Argyle Street.
Then planning application has now been registered and is available to view on the planning portal at the following: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/planning-and-building... under application 24/0798/PA
“If you feel strongly about the decision to move the station, please respond formally using the planning portal no later than December 26,” stated Cllr Beynon.
“This is a big change, and it’s important you respond,” he added.