Villagers ‘angry and upset’ at plans for police HQ

Members of the community in South Kilvington, north of Thirsk, have formed an action group to oppose plans, announced last year by North Yorkshire Police, to build a new operational base on an 8.5-acre site.

The Force says its current base at Newby Wiske is costly to run and a new facility is needed to replace the outdated eight-cell suite at Northallerton.

The development proposal has caused anger and worry in the village, according to Joy Davies, of the South Kilvington and District Action Group.

She said the village had a population of a little over 200, yet the proposed station would accommodated 550 police staff.

“It will obliterate us. It will increase the traffic greatly and is opposite the village school; a risk to the health and safety of the children and, we feel will have a detrimental effect on the tourism, environment and an already overloaded infrastructure.”

She said the village, with its rural surroundings and 12th century church, was not suitable for such a large police facility.

“The police headquarters will be operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with constant shift changes. We have held two public meetings and people are overwhelmingly against it.

“Parents are upset and concerned about the safety of their children as the field is right opposite the school. Criminals will be coming and going and there is no public transport around here. It will completely change the character of the village. We are at the foot of the hills and moors and in the middle of Herriot country.”

North Yorkshire Police is inviting residents to find out about the proposals at a drop-in event at South Kilvington Primary School on February 18 between 2pm and 8pm.

Members of the project team - including from the Force estates team, planners, architects and other consultants - will be on hand to discuss the proposals and gather feedback.

North Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan said: “This is the first of many opportunities the residents of South Kilvington will get to feedback their views and influence the design of any proposals we may put forward.

“I would encourage local people to come along to learn more about the proposals, meet the project team and raise any questions they may have at this early stage. Importantly, it will also be an opportunity for people to say what they would like to see as a result of any development, such as parking improvements or improved playing facilities in the village.

“If we decide later to submit a planning application – and this is not a done deal - the feedback of consultation will be published beforehand and will influence any plans for the site. We will also make clear how the proposals have altered as a result of consultation.”

The police say the proposed site is well located in terms of its size, its access to the highways network and central position within North Yorkshire.

A statement from the Crime Commissioner’s office said: “Annual savings on running costs will amount to an estimated £100,000 per year, with £355,000 also saved from stock condition work – meaning an annual saving of £455,000.

“Over the past year, North Yorkshire Police have assessed the current and projected future requirements for their headquarters. They have used this assessment to evaluate the suitability of several available sites across Hambleton, including existing buildings and vacant sites.

“North Yorkshire Police’s estates team is aware of the heritage value of the Newby Wiske Hall and its grounds, located in a conservation area, and will be working with local planners to consider options for future uses for the site.”

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