A POLICE force is to move its headquarters from a village to a greenfield site yards from the A19.

North Yorkshire Police has struck a deal to buy an 8.4-acre field in South Kilvington, near Thirsk, as part of a plan to save £455,000 a year by moving from its base in a converted stately home at Newby Wiske, near Northallerton.

Subject to approval by Hambleton District Council planners, the purpose-built base will be 1.5 miles north of Thirsk, between the A61 and A19, on a site opposite South Kilvington Primary School.

It is understood the site was selected for the large area available, its access to the highways network and its central position within the force’s operating area, and a spur may be created at the A19/A61 roundabout to divert traffic from the village.

The force said it also considered the implications of relocation for hundreds of staff working at Newby Wiske.

The move ends more than a year of speculation over the location of the base, which police bosses say will provide improved operational services both in Hambleton district and across North Yorkshire.

The base will feature a new ten-cell custody suite, which may replace the ageing eight-cell suite at Northallerton, enabling the force to replace the county’s town’s police station with a smaller building.

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, said: “The agreement to purchase this site in South Kilvington is an important step forward in our long-standing plans to create a modern and efficient headquarters that is fit to meet the demands of a responsive police force.

“Building a new headquarters will also mean we are able to invest the resulting efficiency savings into what really matters, namely front-line policing.”

Hambleton District Council leader Councillor Mark Robson welcomed the decision to retain the base in the district.

He said: “I think it will be a bonus for both Thirsk and Northallerton.”

County councillor for South Kilvington, Gareth Dadd said: “While the retention of a northern headquarters will bring benefits to the local economy, I hope any negative effects perceived, such as any increase in traffic through the village, will be addressed by the police and the initial plans will reflect that.”

The force said it is aware of the heritage value of Newby Wiske Hall and its grounds, located in a conservation area, and would work with planners to consider options for future uses for the site.

The force is expected to launch a public consultation exercise in the spring.