THE address isn’t Letsby Avenue, but there’s a chance that people could be eating porridge in a former cop shop.
A planning application has been made to convert Twyford’s police station into a one-bed flat with a single parking space.
The applicant is the current owner of the police house, previously used as accommodation for the officers.
Situated within the Station Road Conservation Area, the station has not been open to the public since 2016, when the front counter was closed. It shut completely in October 2019, as it was deemed to “not represent a cost-effective use of public money”.
Proposed changes include replacing windows to be more in keeping with the character of the area, relocating the entrance – with a new front door fronting Brook Street. The existing entry being retained as a glazed door leading into the garden.
Alterations to the 45 sq m interior will include providing a living, sleeping and cooking area.
At the rear of the property, an external patio is proposed with one off-street parking space, as well as space for a bin and bike storage.
The stone paving to the side of the building would be removed and replaced with a lawn, which would then be enclosed with a low brick wall and railings.
A double garage and a steel storage shed currently situated on the site would be retained to be used as storage during construction, before being demolished when work has been completed.
The former police house will be retained as a two-bedroom dwelling.
The original detached dwelling Police house was built in 1901, commemorated by a stone plaque on the building which references the date.
It was later extended at the corner of Station Road and Brook Street, with a single storey side extension which housed the self-contained police station – with a reception room, police office, toilet and kitchen facilities.
A decision on the proposed development will be made by the council at a planning meeting expected to be held on Wednesday, June 7.
