Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has welcomed the decision to approve planning permission for the redevelopment of Surrey Police’s headquarters as a significant milestone for the Force.
Two planning applications were submitted to Guildford Borough Council in April this year to redevelop the current Mount Browne HQ on the outskirts of the town and for a new access road to the site.
The Council’s Planning Committee met on Wednesday this week, November 6, where councillors voted to grant planning permission, subject to legal agreement.
There will now follow a six-week judicial review period before the Force can take decisions on the next steps.
“A landmark moment”
The Commissioner decided in 2021 that the Force should remain at Mount Browne, rather than seek a new location.
The redevelopment plans include the replacing of accommodation blocks with a new Contact and Deployment Centre, the modernisation of the world-renowned Dog School, a new car park, accommodation for students, and the restoration of ancient woodland.
The redevelopment plans include new accommodation for students and kennels for dogs, a decked car park with electric vehicle charging points, and the restoration of some ancient woodland.
The historic Old House will be retained with a new courtyard wing.
Image of the plans for Surrey Police’s headquarters at Mount Browne in Guildford
Lisa said: “The planning approval is really exciting news and represents a landmark moment in the history of Surrey Police.
“There are now some additional legal stages to go through in the coming weeks before we can take the initial steps towards redevelopment, which is an important part of the process.
“However, this week’s decision marks a significant milestone for the Force.
“Mount Browne has been Surrey Police’s home for over 70 years, but the buildings here are run down, expensive to maintain and simply no longer meet the requirements of a modern police force.
The current site, pictured from the air
“The redevelopment will offer our amazing officers, staff and volunteers a vastly improved working environment that is sustainable for the Force, both financially and environmentally.
“The most important factor for me has always been that we provide value for money for our residents and deliver an even better policing service for them in the future.
“This decision means we can move onto the next stage and I look forward to being able to share more about our plans in the near future.”