COPELAND'S planning panel will consider plans for a new nuclear constabulary building next week.

Sellafield Ltd has applied for full planning permission for a new building and associated facilities on site to provide an operational hub for the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC).

The site comprises sloping land previously occupied by offices and laboratories which is currently vacant. The application states: "It is proposed that the CNC Operational Unit will be a purposely designed deployment facility which will provide the capabilities that CNC need to maintain the security of the Sellafield site."

The development will comprise a main building two/three storeys high partly built into the embankment owing to the site`s sloping topography. This will be flanked by single storey ancillary buildings (a garage and kennels) and an upper level car park to provide for operational response vehicles. A new access road and visitor parking will be provided to the front with a separate access for the car park to the rear.

"CNC currently operate from several old and out-of-date buildings that are in various locations within the Sellafield site, this results in operational and cost inefficiencies which supports the need for a new central facility," states the application, which will be considered on July 7.

It adds: "The development will contribute to the long term strategy for the future management of the Sellafield site as well assist in promoting the borough as a Centre for Nuclear Excellence." Officers have recommended approval subject to certain conditions.