Plans to turn one of the earliest police stations in the Vale of Glamorgan into apartments are set to be decided this week. The old police station, situated opposite the junction with Cae Newydd along the A48 at the eastern end of St Nicholas, is currently used as a specialist physiotherapy centre.
One of the main concerns among members of the community is the potential impact that the conversion of the building into apartments could have on the existing wellbeing centre as a local business. Residents and the community council also fear the potential impact that the development could have on the building itself.
The old police station was built in 1858, and although it is not a listed building it is a designated County Treasure and lies within the St Nicholas Conservation Area. A council report on the plans states that St Nicholas and Bonvilston Community Council believe the building to be the first purpose-built police station in Glamorgan.
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Planning permission was originally sought to convert the building into three one bedroom "work-live" apartments. These are apartments that are built to facilitate peoples' professional and home lives. However, in the latest version of the plan, references to work areas have been removed.
No extensions are proposed to the building and the proposed external works are limited to the installation of two new roof lights. St Nicholas and Bonvilston Community Council also raised concerns with the council that the development could result in a loss of parking in the area.
A response from the community council in April 2021 states: "The loss of a significant area of parking due to access to a proposed new dwelling to the rear means that the three flats will have just three parking spaces, with the applicant relying on future occupants using the highway for parking." A council report that will go before the planning committee on Wednesday, December 21 states: "Due to the lack of external alterations proposed, to the building, the proposed development is not considered to have a significant visual impact, including on the historic environment.
"The roof lights have been moved to the rear roof plane, as requested by the Council’s Conservation Officer. As such the proposal is considered to preserve the St Nicholas Conservation Area and have a limited impact on the building as a County Treasure."
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