A PROPOSAL to partially turn a former police station into flats has been given the go ahead.

The former Cricklade police station, on the High Street, was sold on by Wiltshire Constabulary in November 2021.

It was snapped up by Cricklade Development Foundation (CDF), who pledged to turn it into a development for the benefit of the town.

The society was formed in 2018 to help secure the future of the town’s high street.

In 2019, Cricklade Police Station became an asset of community value, meaning that  CDF had the first refusal when the police station was put up for sale.

Now, Wiltshire Council has given planning permission to turn the building into a part-residential and part-commercial property.

Under the plans, the upstairs would be returned to its pre-2001 residential use in the form of two small flats and the bottom floor would be reserved for commercial use.

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This could include retail, restaurant, office, financial/professional services, indoor sports, medical and nursery uses.

On the outside of the property, it is proposed to remove the external cladding and re-render the building with a traditional natural finish, to remove the current chimney on the east side of the building, replace the first floor windows with timber/metal Georgian style windows, and replace ground floor windows with metal bifold doors.

It is also proposed that the render is a magnolia colour, the front windows, door a green/grey colour, windowsills and other fascia features in dark grey.

Residents were generally in favour of the scheme, with 18 letters of support submitted to the council, and one objecting to the proposal.

In her report, Wiltshire Council’s case officer Allison Williams said: “The proposals have demonstrated that the proposed mixed-use development would support the ongoing viability and vitality of the town centre and provide two residential units to support the ongoing housing need of the town.

“The proposals would maintain and enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.”

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So far, the Cricklade Foundation Development has raised over £158k to redevelop the property.

However, the society requires double the amount of money to finish the development.

An appeal is to be launched to raise money to complete the project and for volunteers to help prepare both the site and property in preparation for the arrival of builders. This decision has been made in order to reduce costs and provide an opportunity for people to get involved.