'It's an absolute scandal': Row over homes for former police base in Wolverhampton

Councillor Stephen Simkins, who has previously spoken out against funding cuts to West Midlands Police, has said that plans to convert the former Merridale Road police base into flats is 'self-defeating' and 'unforgivable.'

He said: "I think it's an absolute scandal. That police base was set up because there was a need for it. To have it close down was a loss, but to then have more housing built on the site means you're adding to the community but not adding to the resources that community has to be protected and feel safe.

"I'm all for good quality housing in the right location, but not to the detriment of services and especially not the police force.

"To me it's self-defeating to be increasing the number of people in the community but not giving them the police base that is still needed and the community still want. It's unforgivable."

Plans submitted by housing network 'All Cultures One Voice' (ACOV) and Wolverhampton Homes to transform the old station into three ground floor flats along with a residents' meeting room and office area were approved by council bosses last week.

The police base was one of several in the city closed down since January last year.

At that time, ACC Michele Larmour, force lead for local policing, said: "Many of our buildings have high running costs, are poorly located and are not fit for future operational purposes."

Objections to these latest plans were submitted by concerned nearby residents.

Colin Bolshaw, a nearby resident, said in his objection letter submitted to the council: "I totally oppose the proposals in all respects and believe the proposals should be rejected.

"Although an open day on the plans was held on Wednesday, July 12 2017 no handouts were available for attendees to take away and study.

"A plan of the first three areas was on show and there was a questionnaire. No written justification for the proposals was available. Nearly three months later no feedback has been received. Nothing was on display regarding the area known as the bottom laundry.

"Given that the proposals represent a material change of use in respect of each area and that each area had been used for its original purpose for many years, indeed some were purpose built for that use, it can be argued that the proposed changes cannot be carried out."

Part of the building is already being used by ACOV to run their day-to-day activities since the nearby estate was built in 1953. However, now more changes will be made to the 215 square metre site to turn it into self-contained accommodation.

The accommodation will comprise of two one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom flat.

In its decision notice dated September 13, Wolverhampton Council said: "The proposals are in character with this setting. There would be no adverse impact on amenity and highway safety."

Applicant Paul Cresswell of Wolverhampton Homes now has three years to complete the development of the site.

Kevin Manning, assistant director of property at Wolverhampton Homes said: “The police used some space in the Merridale Court flats until April 2016 when they reviewed and closed some of their local bases. There is a huge demand for housing in this popular area, so we are taking the opportunity to make the best use of the empty space. Planning permission has been approved to convert this into much needed additional new housing accommodation.”

Merridale Court is a complex of flats designed for the council in 1952/3 by Bertram Butler & co.

It is an example of early post-war social housing and includes individual stores for each flat and communal drying areas.