Plans to double the number of parking spaces at Warwickshire Police's Leek Wootton headquarters have been criticised by locals who have labelled them "dangerous".

The force has applied for planning permission to introduce a new one-way system and create another 362 parking spots at its Warwick Road base which it says will alleviate a number of issues on site.

In an application to Warwick District Council, Warwickshire Police said there needs to be enough spaces for its 550 full-time staff members.

And the force wants to improve safety measures with new floodlights, pedestrian footpaths, CCTV, security barriers, security huts and gates.

Council Concerns

Among the objectors is Leek Wootton and Guy's Cliffe Parish council which raised concerns about the lack of data on traffic through the village.

"The proposal fails to address the impact of the increased one-way traffic exiting on to Woodcote Lane at North Lodge and the subsequent issues on Woodcote Lane of a narrow roadway, roadside parking and the Anchor pub junction with Warwick Road," the objection added.

Cllr Jim Kirkwood criticised the lighting plans and also questioned why no traffic data was supplied in the application.

Warwickshire Police's Leek Wootton HQ from above (image via planning application)

"The traffic report ignores completely the impact on Woodcote Lane of the proposed one way system within the Headquarters site and the inevitable increase in traffic exiting from North Lodge onto Woodcote Lane," he wrote.

Resident Jennifer Elliott added: "The one way system in the application has I believe had insufficient thought given to it, in that exiting the police site will increase the amount of traffic on Woodcote Lane which is a narrow country lane.

"In addition from that site the first part of Woodcote has no footpath so will increase the risk to pedestrians."

Residents Raise Issues

As well as the parish council, nearly 50 members of the public have written to the district council to object.

James Maynard wrote: "The proposed number of lights on this development will create a huge amount of light pollution. 

"The lights at the HQ burn all night and I see nothing to indicate these will be any different, the energy used will be huge and the effect of the wildlife will be massive. 

"In addition we enjoy comparatively dark skies in Leek Wootton that will be lost by such a massive increase.

"I ask that should you grant this proposal then the light be turned off in times when not in constant use."

Amar Gill claimed the force "failed to consult with the community" saying this "undermines the principles of transparency and community involvement in planning decisions".

She added: "The introduction of an additional 200 plus vehicles at the Anchor junction will exacerbate traffic congestion and pose significant safety risks for both motorists and pedestrians.

"There are frequent deliveries at The Anchor where they park up and cause major disruption and restricted view for everyone." 

The new parking spaces will be spread across the Leek Wootton site (image via planning application)

Force Has Its Say

In its application to the council, Warwickshire Police said the scheme would improve pedestrian safety, security and "deliver adequate capacity" for the parking needs at Woodcote House.

And regarding the needs to increase security, it explained: "There has been an increase in disruptive groups (e.g. 'Auditing Britain') attending site; investigations and risk assessments have been conducted into the incidents with conclusions that under employer liability, Warwickshire Police must address site access, the control of visitors attending the Leek Wootton Headquarters and the management of all when on site. 

"Increased parking will enable the police to designate areas accordingly and the final designs will include vehicle control barriers on the two access roads, security lighting and CCTV coverage to key areas."

See the full application here.