Richard BatsonA new combined police and ambulance station at Stalham has won the backing of planning officials, despite objections from the town council.The site, on the opposite side of the Yarmouth Road to the current police station, is due to be a joint base similar in design to the new Wells and Cromer police stations.Richard Batson

A new combined police and ambulance station at Stalham has won the backing of planning officials, despite objections from the town council.

The site, on the opposite side of the Yarmouth Road to the current police station, is due to be a joint base similar in design to the new Wells and Cromer police stations.

It will have space for 16 operational vehicles, three visiting parking spaces, a washdown bay, and 15m tall communications mast.

Town councillors objected to the scheme saying it was outside the core town area, unsuitable for development, and aired concerns about pedestrian safety, the location on a main school route and light pollution to nearby residents.

But a report to North Norfolk District Council's east area planning committee says police attempts to find a more central site had failed, and the proposed one was zoned for mixed use including community facilities.

Officers were happy with the design and said the nearby existing station was among housing, so the new one would not significantly change the character of the area.

They are recommending approval to the committee meeting on Thursday (Nov 26).

There was a furore at Cromer recently when its new station, due to open next month, axed a previous public inquiry office - resulting in a change of heart and installation in a public access hatch manned three days a week as a compromise.

A police spokesman however said there were no plans for a public inquiry office at Stalham as there was not one now.

Anyone wanting to contact the local safer neighbourhood policing team could do it by phoning 0845 456 4567 or visiting the neighbourhood policing section of the Norfolk police website www.norfolk.police.uk