Inspector rejects bid to turn old police station into vape shop

The disused ‘police box’ on Dewsbury Road, in Lupset, was once used as a mini station before being sold by West Yorkshire Police almost two decades ago.

Wakefield Council refused planning permission for the vacant property to be converted into business premises, known as Cloud Chasers, in 2024.

In September of that year, the local authority also issued an enforcement notice to stop the building being used as retail premises.

Council officers previously rejected the scheme on highways grounds due to it being close to a main road and the junction of Flanshaw Lane and George-a-Green Road.

An appeal against the notice was made to the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of Muhammad Butt.

A planning inspector upheld the council’s decision and ordered that the building is no longer used as retail premises.

A judgement dismissing the appeal, published on December 16, stated: “Although some car-borne customers will choose to park away from the site, there is a likelihood that others will pull up or park on the road directly outside the premises to undertake a short visit.

“That could impede the safe and free flow of traffic on Dewsbury Road close to the busy junction and obstruct the operation of the nearby bus lane and bus stop, thereby giving rise to conditions unacceptably detrimental to highway safety.

“The appeal building once operated as a police box. However, the unauthorised use will likely have generated an increase in vehicle movements compared to that previous use.”

Inspector Paul Fraser, of Wakefield central neighbourhood police team, also opposed the scheme, describing the business as “unsuitable” as it was near a large public park and a primary school.

Insp Fraser said: “I have already directed officers from my team to deal with a number of parking issues directly arising from customers to this premises parking their vehicles on the pavement, thereby causing obstruction to pedestrians.

“I can only see this issue becoming worse, requiring more time and investment to enforce legislation.”

A justification statement submitted on behalf of the appellant described Mr Butt as the sole operator and tenant of the building.

The document said: “The building has been vacant for many years and has been described by local people as being an ‘eyesore’.

“The building, in its unused state, attracts vandals and antisocial behaviour and must be brought into use to prevent this.”

According to the document, the property had been fitted out with shelves to sell vapes, vaping equipment and snacks.

A ‘Cloud Chasers’ banner had also been fixed to an outside wall.

It added: “Bringing a new business to the building will in the long term add to the council’s revenue through business rates.

“Given that councils are struggling, with some on the brink of becoming bankrupt, additional shop units rather than empty buildings should be embraced.”

The building was last used by the police in 2007.

Permission to turn it into a sandwich shop was also refused in 2022 on highway safety grounds.

Officers said there was a lack of parking nearby to accommodate the proposed new business.

Similar applications for the building, made in 2010 and 2011, were turned down for similar reasons.