Heat pump and window works at Former Pershore Police Station Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore

What was proposed

The application proposed an air source heat pump, acoustic fencing, window replacements, a new emergency exit and reinstatement of the original entrance.

“W/25/01895/FUL Site Address Former Pershore Police Station, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore. Description of Development Installation of new air source heat pump system with acoustic fence panelling around; replacement of cell window with new double glazed aluminium unit and creation of new emergency exit door opening; reinstatement of original entrance to building; replacement of all timber windows with double glazed aluminium units.”

“The current application seeks permission for various works to the building in order accommodate the previously approved change of use. These include the installation of an air source heat pump system with acoustic fence panelling, the replacement of a cell window with new double glazed aluminium unit, the creation of a new emergency exit door opening, the reinstatement of the original entrance to the building and the…”

Officer report

The site

The former police station is a two-storey building beside the Civic Centre, near a conservation area and a Grade II listed public house.

“The application site comprises the former police station building to the south of the Civic Centre on Queen Elizabeth Drive in Pershore as shown edged red on the plan, below. The building comprises a two-storey brick built structure with a pitched roof which is physically connected to the Civic Centre via a first floor glazed link on the buildings northern elevation.”

“Vehicular access to the site is gained via Queen Elizabeth Drive and across the Civic Centre car parks. Pedestrian access is via the Civic Centre complex, and off the High Street via the link path alongside the Pickled Plum public house. There is no parking on the site of the property, but it does sit immediately adjacent to the long stay pay and display car park associated with the Civic Centre, which offers 294 pay and display spaces.”

Officer report

Earlier use and permission

The building was used as a police station until 2016, then stood vacant, and received permission in 2024 for office use.

“The building was formerly leased by Wychavon District Council to West Mercia Police Authority for use as a police station from approximately 1997 to 2016. Prior to its use as a Police Station, the building was used as an office for social services. The building has sat vacant and unused since the use as a police station ended in 2016.”

“Permission was granted for this building in August 2024 for the change of use from Sui Generis (Police Station) to office use, with the current scheme following on directly from this application.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council supported the application with a noise comment, while council consultees and the civic society raised no objection.

“Pershore Town Council: Members support this application but would comment that noise mitigation for the adjacent properties should be addressed.”

“Worcestershire Regulatory Services (Noise Nuisance): The applicant has not demonstrated that noise from the proposed ASHP will not adversely impact the nearby residential receptors. The applicant should submit a noise impact assessment, in line with BS4142 for further comment.”

Officer report

Comments from the public

No letters or other representations were received from members of the public in support of or opposition to the application.

“No letters of representation were received following the advertisement of this application.”

“No representations have been received either in support or objection from any members of the public.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer outlined the application to the committee.

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to delegate authority to grant planning permission subject to the listed conditions and any required amendments.

“To delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Infrastructure to grant planning permission subject to the following planning conditions listed, allowing for any subsequent amendments to the planning conditions as required by the Director of Planning and Infrastructure.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The conditions covered the start date, approved plans, a noise assessment before installing the heat pump and implementation of water management measures.

“PC. 08.01.26 2. Unless where required or allowed by other conditions attached to this permission/consent, the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the information (including details on the proposed materials) provided on the application form and the following plans/drawings/documents –”

“Prior to the installation of the air source heat pump hereby approved, a Noise Impact Assessment shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The assessment shall consider the likely noise impacts of the air source heat pump on nearby noise-sensitive receptors and shall include details of any necessary mitigation measures.”

Minutes