A POLICE force’s multi-million pound plans for new headquarters could be derailed by a defunct 1960s radio mast, it has emerged.

Durham Police want to shift 480 officers and staff to a purpose- built £14m HQ in Aykley Heads, Durham City.

But chiefs’ plans depend on demolishing the existing base, only yards away, to make way for about 200 houses.

However, a communications mast erected in the mid-1960s has grade II-listed protection and a campaign to save it is gaining support.

The 150ft mast, officially the County Police Communications Tower, was designed by renowned Brutalist engineer Sir Ove Arup, who also worked on Durham’s Kingsgate Bridge and Dunelm House, Sydney Opera House, The Barbican Centre and the penguin pool at London Zoo.

It was made of pre-cast, reinforced concrete, allowing for a rigid but slender structure that would not block views of Durham Cathedral. The mast no longer works, its technology having become outdated.

However, after English Heritage praised its “elegant, ultra-thin design”, it was listed in March 2003.

Douglas Pocock, from the City of Durham Trust conservation group, said: “Because of its colour, shape and form, it’s unique. It would be a pity if it was demolished. It should not be beyond the wit of man to remove it and put it adjacent to the new police station.”

A Durham Police spokeswoman said: “As part of our plans to build a new HQ, we’re seeking outline consent for residential development of the present site.

“We feel the mast would not really fit in with the kind of residential development being envisaged.

“The mast itself became redundant some years ago and relocating it would be both difficult to achieve and costly. It’s now a matter for the planning committee to consider.”

The application will be considered by Durham County Council in the coming weeks.