Old warehouse to become police station with custody cells

A DISUSED warehouse is set to be transformed into a new temporary police station complete with custody cells.

Plans for the former Barum Auto Parts building on Seven Brethren in Barnstaple are expected to be submitted today as police say the project to replace the current police station is “moving at pace”.

Last month we reported that Barnstaple’s existing police station on

North Walk has had to be vacated because its roof is faulty and repairing it is not “economically viable”.

The new temporary station at the former Barum Auto Parts warehouse – which is near the town’s leisure centre and Tesco Extra store – would house officers, staff, volunteers, a public front office and a custody centre.

Under the proposals, most officers and staff would be accommodated at the Seven Brethren site, while some specialist staff would be relocated to offices at Roundswell.

Police say discussions with prospective landlords and North Devon Council have proceeded rapidly, and the OPCC is now ready to submit a planning application.

They say it is likely the new site would be suitable for three to five years, giving suitable time to investigate the possibility of building a bespoke station to serve the North Devon area.

North and West Devon Superintendent Toby Davies said: “We have been working hard to identify suitable options that could be delivered within the challenging timescales.

“I am hugely appreciative of the high level of support and flexibility shown by partner agencies in north Devon which has made this task all the more easier.”