PLANS to transform Royal Wootton Bassett police station are set to go ahead after winning planning permission.

The station, which was built in 1984 and attached to a 19th century manor house, is now said by Wiltshire Police to be not fit for operational needs.

Agents Ridge said there would be no major work to the building externally, but the ground floor layout would change to include an open plan hot desking area and the redundant cells would become a locker room.

In their design and access statement they said: “The current police building is a designated community policing team hub and it was therefore decided that a refurbishment was necessary to bring the building up to acceptable standards.”

Public access will be to the ground floor and the first floor will remain access controlled for police and staff only.

As part of the project costing almost £670,000, garages at the back will be demolished along with redundant dog kennels and the 16 spaces in the car park will be increased to 22. A new cycle shelter for eight bikes will also be provided.

In a report recommending approval, Wiltshire Council's planning department said the demolition of the garage, which did not make a positive visual contribution, would conserve the character and appearance of the town’s conservation area.

Getting rid of walls enclosing the rear yard would also increase the openness.

Conservation officer Caroline Ridgewell said: “The site was formerly a Manor House with large garden surrounded by brick walls. The original house is not listed but the site is within the Royal Wootton Bassett conservation area and the building a fine, non-designated heritage asset.”

She added: “I am glad to see that the boundary wall that forms one side of the garages to be demolished is to remain. This will continue to mark the earlier boundary of the original garden in which this modern section and car park sit.”

When the plan was announced late last year the force said it hoped work would begin in July.

While it is being carried out police and staff will work from Malmesbury Police Station with the help of a temporary building to provide enough space. But Insp Mark Luffman stressed officers would would be briefed at Malmesbury before patrolling in the Royal Wootton Bassett area.