PLANS have been submitted for a custody suite on the outskirts of a historic market town to house a growing number of criminals, it has been revealed.Suffolk Police Authority hopes to win consent to build a Police Investigation Centre in Romany Way, Bury St Edmunds, on a derelict travellers' site.

PLANS have been submitted for a custody suite on the outskirts of a historic market town to house a growing number of criminals, it has been revealed.

Suffolk Police Authority hopes to win consent to build a Police Investigation Centre in Romany Way, Bury St Edmunds, on a derelict travellers' site.

The facility, which will house 36 custody cells, will provide secure interview rooms, as well as space necessary for all police activity related to crime investigation, and the prosecution of criminals.

A statement of support for outline planning permission submitted to St Edmundsbury Borough Council by Bidwells, the agents working on behalf of the Suffolk Police Authority, reveals the new facility will house more than half the number of cells currently available in the whole of Suffolk.

It said: “There is an identified need within Suffolk to upgrade and improve the existing position with regards to police investigation activities.

“Suffolk has 71 custody cells across three main facilities and 11 smaller designated stations. Only 64 cells are now available.

“Cell capacity has now been reached in those facilities, and there is considerable pressure generated by excessive number of detainees.'

The site, which lies adjacent to the town's Wyevale Garden Centre, is around 100 meters from properties in Byfield Way, and close to The Firs Park Home Estate.

The report said: “The Suffolk Police Authority has undertaken a robust analysis of suitable locations and available sites prior to submission of the application, and the Romany Way site is considered to be the only appropriate location that meets that police authority's criteria.'