A SCHEME to convert a former carpenter’s workshop in a Pembrokeshire town to a unit for patrolling police officers has been approved by county planners despite objections from the local council.

The Dyfed-Powys Police application to Pembrokeshire County Council sought permission for the change of use at Unit 3, Feidr Castell, Fishguard.

A supporting statement by agents Asbri Planning Ltd said the unit would be used by local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

It added: “The unit was formerly used by a carpenter, however, due to the unit now being vacant Dyfed-Powys Police, as part of their ongoing efforts to create comfortable working spaces for PCSOs, have declared a strong interest in purchasing the property to create a base/hub for patrolling officers.”

It concluded: “The change of use of the building would allow Dyfed-Powys Police to provide a base for their PCSOs in the area. The external alterations are limited to a new door along the western elevation and the only other changes that would be required are internal alterations which fall under permitted development rights.

“The approval of the application would allow a vacant unit to be utilised and would assist Dyfed-Powys Police in providing a safe environment for their staff.”

However, Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council has objected to the application, saying: “The change of use would result in the loss of a potential business amenity. It is not an appropriate location for a policing facility. A policing facility should be located in the town centre as a community facility.”

A planning officer report recommending approval said: “Whilst the proposal would result in the loss of B1 (business) premises, it would result in the occupation of a formerly vacant premises and allow for a new police unit which will be used by PCSOs. [Policy] supports development opportunities in hub towns, to encourage sustainable communities and a thriving economy.

“The proposed police station use would have a neutral economic impact in terms of providing employment within a hub town. Positive social benefits would be derived from retaining the police station within the hub town and allow for further allocated room for PCSOs.”

The application was conditionally approved.

Dyfed-Powys Police recently submitted an application for a change of use of the former Public Information Centre, Argyle Street, Pembroke Dock to a police station.

In that application, it said its current station in the town’s Water Street is “no longer fit for purpose,” with the force declaring a strong interest in purchasing the Argyle Street property “to enable a more efficient building to house their new model hub for policing”.

That application, recommended for approval, was heard at the council’s March planning meeting where it was deferred for members to visit the site.

Objectors to that scheme have said the proposal would have “a significant impact on working families and children,” with emergency vehicles potentially leaving at high speed from the busy road.

The Pembroke Dock application will return to a future planning meeting.

A further police station move in the county is on the cards after Dyfed-Powys Police recently announced it would sell its station in Jesse Road, Narberth and relocate to a new base with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services (MAWWFRS) in nearby Spring Gardens.

Reacting to that announcement, Narberth Town Council said it only heard about the sale through a press release shared by news outlets.