A proposed Southern Policing Hub is being shaped by community feedback after residents revealed what really matters to them.
The proposed hub location at Mitre Way, Old Sarum, will replace facilities at Bourne Hill which operational reviews in 2021 and 2023 concluded is no longer capable of meeting the demands of modern policing.
The new hub promises to provide a modern, fit-for-purpose operational base for neighbourhood, response and specialist policing teams serving Salisbury and south of the county.
More than a month of engagement saw residents, businesses, community groups, councillors and stakeholders review proposals and indicative designs, attend public events, speak directly with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Wiltshire Police representatives and submit feedback online and in person.
Wiltshire PCC Philip Wilkinson has published a summary of the key issues raised during June’s public engagement programme and confirmed that concerns and suggestions from local people have already influenced the development of the proposals and the technical work supporting the application’s submission.
Feedback focused largely on the force being a ‘good neighbour’ with traffic and access, landscaping and screening, environmental impact, community amenity and custody provision discussed at length.
This has been shared with the design team, highways specialists, environmental consultants and other technical advisers as preparations continue for the outline planning submission.
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Particular attention is being given to issues raised around traffic impacts, boundary treatments, planting, landscaping, lighting and the relationship between the site and neighbouring homes.
Mr Wilkinson said: “From the outset we said this would be engagement before decision-making – not engagement after decisions had already been made.
“People have told us what matters most to them. They have raised concerns about traffic, access, landscaping, lighting and the impact on neighbouring communities. Those views have not simply been noted. They have been shared directly with the project team and are helping to inform the plans that will be submitted.
He added: “Those views have been shared with the wider project team and are helping inform the work that continues ahead of the planning application being submitted.
“Not everyone will agree with every aspect of the proposals but it is important that people can see their views have been heard and taken seriously.
“I want to thank everyone who took the time to engage with us. Whether they support the proposals or have concerns about them, their views are an important part of the planning process.”
The engagement programme included three public events at Salisbury Football Club, attendance at Area Board meetings across south Wiltshire, a dedicated website, Community Messaging alerts, digital media activity and media engagement.
Many residents recognised the need to replace ageing facilities at Bourne Hill and supported investment in a modern policing base capable of meeting the future needs of Salisbury and south Wiltshire against a national backdrop of Police Reform.
Mr Wilkinson stressed that engagement will continue beyond the submission of the outline planning application, with further opportunities for communities to receive updates, ask questions and provide feedback as the project progresses through the planning process.
The proposed Southern Policing Hub forms part of the wider Safer South Wiltshire programme and is intended to provide a modern operational base for neighbourhood, response and specialist policing teams serving Salisbury and south Wiltshire.
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