Planning application submitted for construction of new Carmarthenshire Policing Hub and Custody Suite

On Friday, 04.12.20, Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Dafydd Llywelyn confirmed that planning application has been submitted to Carmarthenshire County Council for the construction of a new Policing Hub and Custody Suite for Dyfed-Powys Police, to be built at land west of Heol Aur, Dafen, Llanelli.

Earlier this year, PCC Llywelyn revealed planning application documents for the proposed construction as part of a public consultation on the new build, which is to be an ambitious sustainable construction, with a BREEAM excellence rating.

The consultation in May 2020 provided an opportunity to those who were interested in the proposals to view all documents within the draft application package, which all have now been finalised and submitted to Carmarthenshire County Council for approval.

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 and 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 it was great to make the draft application plans and documents available to the public earlier this year. As part of the public consultation process in May, we engaged with the public and received a positive responses and messages of support from local residents in the Llanelli and wider area as well as from local partners”.

“The final planning application package has now been submitted by my Office, and will be available for the public to view on Carmarthenshire County Council’s website. I encourage local residents in Llanelli and the wider community to obtain the planning application pack to have a look in detail at this fantastic new development that will support us in ensuring that Dyfed-Powys Police has a fit for purpose facility in Carmarthenshire”.

In being a BREEAM related development, the new build will offer a more sustainable environment, that aims to enhance the well-being of the people who live and work within it, 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.

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.”