Unapproved former station works must go
DEVELOPERS working to convert Hinckley’s former police station into flats have been handed enforcement notices after flouting planning rules.
The measures follow a temporary stop order imposed in July after complaints were received about unauthorised works.
The builders now have one month to tear down two single storey structures to the front and side of the Upper Bond Street property and two months to remove a dormer at the back and all associated materials.
They must also reinstate the roof with Swithland slate roof tiles within two months.
As well as this, failures to adhere to approved plans have resulted in two ‘breach of condition notices’ requiring the rebuilding of the rear extension in acceptable materials and revision of one area back to a bike store.
Permission for change of use and conversion of the landmark building was granted in August last year.
Concerns came to light recently about health and safety issues and the additional unapproved works.
An official briefing note from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council states: “Following site visits to the former police station by planning officers numerous unauthorised works were identified. These works were set out and sent by e-mail to the developer subsequent to these site visits.
“It is considered that enforcement action should be taken in respect of some specific elements of the unauthorised works; therefore following the expiry of the temporary stop notice on August 28 officers visited the site and served an enforcement notice and two breach of condition notices.
“Certain other works have been carried out on site in contravention of the approved planning permission which it is considered can be regularised through the submission of a variation of condition application. Whilst the applicant has submitted an application this is currently invalid and we have informed the applicant of this and set out the information required to validate the application.”
The developer has until September 29 to submit the information and if this isn’t done the council will consider further enforcement action.
Borough councillor David Bill (Lib Dem Clarendon) who had raised concerns about the state of the building said he was pleased action was being taken.
He added: “I still very much regret that when I was a member of the Police Authority I was unable to persuade the other members of the importance of this building and the part it plays in the street scene of the town. For a number of years there were proposals to dispose of the building and I fought against them every time.
“In the end, however I was on my own and everyone else wanted to sell the place. I still believe I was right in trying to hold out.”