By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
Bitterne Police Station, which has sat unused for a decade, has moved a step closer to demolition.
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Proposals to level the old police station were tabled by the office of Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner Donna Jones.
Southampton City Council officers have now approved the planned approach to the demolition and details of how the land will be left after work is carried out.
The two-storey detached building, which sits at the corner of Bursledon Road and White’s Road, has been non-operational since 2016 when shut as part of wider cost-saving measures in the police estate.
Previously Cop shop faces final chop
A statement prepared as part of the demolition application by AtkinsRéalis PPS Limited said: “The general condition of this property is considered poor, with internal ceilings beginning to collapse throughout the property and cracking present throughout the property, though there is no immediate structural concern.
“This scheme of work identifies the demolition of all structures within the site boundary.
“The property has locked off all power and utility supply, but, demolition will include for the removal and termination of all utility supplies.”
A new fence will be installed once the site is levelled to keep is safe and inaccessible to the public.
The demolition is planned to commence at the earliest available, the statement said.
A spokesperson for the police and crime commissioner said a date has currently not been set for the work and the future of the site is yet to be determined.
Redevelopment plans to build a four-storey block of 34 retirement apartments were refused in 2018, with the scheme considered an overdevelopment of the site and the design inappropriate and out of character.
This decision was challenged by applicant Churchill Retirement Living but a government-appointed planning inspector dismissed the appeal.
A new police station for Bitterne opened in nearby West End Road in 2022. Speaking at the time, Ms Jones, who as police and crime commissioner is the owner of the police estate, said the £430,000 response and patrol base provided reassurance and a service to the public.
Previously
Cop shop faces final chop
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