PROPOSALS for a new Dorset Police HQ building at Winfrith have not attracted any objections – although Wool parish council is worried that its shiny surfaces could lead to bird deaths.
The parish says that the drawings for curtain walling on the building show the reflection of sky, clouds and trees.
Said the parish letter to Dorset Council on the planning application: “It is well documented that reflective surfaces on buildings cause tens of thousands of bird deaths as the birds attempt to fly though the surface into the landscape they see in the reflection.”
The council says that there are colonies of house martins and swifts living nearby which could be at particular risk, both migratory species being on the red list for being in danger.
“Birds from these breeding colonies utilise space over the Frome water meadows and other insect rich areas such as the pasture and wet scrubland adjacent to the Police HQ.
"Both bird species would be vulnerable to lethal impact into reflective surfaces. It would appear that the vertical faces of this proposed building would have reflective surfaces, and without mitigation would pose a significant lethal threat to these birds.”
The new HQ, if approved, will replace the A10 building, close to the entrance of the site.
The designs show a triangular, three-storey modern building, with central stairwells and a café close to the entrance.
It will only offer a small amount of additional space, compared to the existing office complex, but police say it will be more functional. All other buildings on the site remain as they are.
The planning application to Dorset Council says the existing office block is no longer fit for purpose and has maintenance problems: “Internally the space is dated and does not provide a healthy, high quality work environment which encourages communication and collaboration... As well as providing sufficient office space and meeting rooms, an important part of the brief is to provide breakout space, a cafe space and also space for staff to decompress,” said a planning document with the application.
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The proposals also show additional security measures, including fencing and new bollards, and the retention of the memorial garden to the rear of the building although the war memorial will be relocated to the front of the new building. The roof will be fitted with solar panels.
“Overall the proposals will provide a high quality, efficient, headquarters building for Dorset Police to replace a building which is no longer fit for use. The new building will provide space that is both flexible and suitable for modern day policing requirements. The proposals will have little to no impact on the surrounding area and will improve the setting of the main entrance for all visitors and staff.”
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