Conversion plans for police HQ approved

CONTROVERSIAL PLANS to convert the Grade II-listed Newby Wiske Hall in North Yorkshire into a residential education centre have been approved by councillors.

Sitting at the Solberge Hall Hotel, near Northallerton, members of Hambleton Council’s planning committee voted in favour of the proposals by outdoor activity firm PGL.

Newby Wiske Hall was sold by police and crime commissioner Julia Mulligan so that North Yorkshire Police could move to more modern headquarters.

A group opposing the sale to outdoor education firm PGL says the plans risk destroying village life in the Conservation Area near the site and could potentially lead to a fall in house prices.

Prior to the meeting, the authority’s planning officers recommended that the proposals, which involve converting existing buildings for use by pupils and teachers on school trips, be approved.

Speaking afterwards, Mrs Mulligan said: “Newby Wiske Hall was not fit as a modern police headquarters, and was also very expensive to run, costing approximately £1m a year to maintain.

“I understand that the decision will not be popular with some villagers having met with a number of them, but I have made it clear that my door is always open.

“I still, however, believe that selling the hall is the right thing to do, allowing North Yorkshire taxpayers to benefit in a number of ways, as well as bringing economic benefits to Hambleton.”

North Yorkshire Police recently moved into Alverton Court, the former Rural Payments building,