City of London Police Base approved at Aldgate

New police bases have been approved for construction in areas where documents show there is a “significant” need for police.

A new eastern base for the City of London Police has been approved to be located on the Aldgate housing estate.

The base will not serve as the unit’s front desk, but will instead be available for officers to report to.

Local residents voiced their concerns about the plan, saying it would “impair their quality of life.”

Documents released ahead of a planning committee meeting show security is needed in the area, with Bishopsgate station set to close when new headquarters opens in Salisbury Square in 2026. It was expected that security would be strengthened.

Under the approved plans, the force will convert six vacant shops on Gravel Lane into offices and take advantage of a number of parking spaces currently reserved for residents.

The proposals included a range of improvements including upgrades to resident car parking, work on the podium at the heart of the Middlesex Street Estate and a new gym.

However, residents have mixed feelings about the plan.

Julia Mason, 57, said she was worried about the proposal, including the potential impact on her and her family’s quality of life. “Honestly, I hope it doesn’t happen.” “It was,” he said.

He added: “It wouldn’t even be possible to use it as a police station.”

At the committee meeting, Middlesex Street Residents Association President Roger Way told members that the new base would have a negative impact on people living in the housing complex.

“Today you are being asked to approve an application that we predict will further degrade housing and public amenity, disinfect our vibrant streets and further undermine our quality of life,” he said. “This prediction is shared by more than 96% of individuals who track their behavior.” There is an objection to this application. ”

Supporting the application, Deputy Commissioner James Thomson, Chairman of the City of London Police Authority Board, said: “Simply put, the current police building is beyond its useful life and unfit for purpose.

“The City Police Department wants to be a good neighbor and member of the community in every way,” he added.

When put to a vote, the planning applications sub-committee unanimously supported the plans.

Speaking after the meeting, Shravan Joshi, chairman of the London Corporation Planning and Transport Committee, said the decision would “maintain a strong police presence across the city and provide a range of new facilities for local residents. “It is now certain that this will be done,” he said.