Surrey Police Headquarters Redevelopment Receives Approval

Planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of the Surrey Police headquarters. The police force had made the decision in 2021 to stay at Mount Browne, located on the outskirts of Guildford, instead of pursuing a new site. The proposed redevelopment encompasses several elements: new housing for students, kennels for dogs, a multi-level car park equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, and the restoration of a section of ancient woodland. The planning committee of Guildford Borough Council voted on Wednesday to approve the planning permission, contingent upon a legal agreement. Surrey Police stated that one of the applications pertained to a new access road for the site, which is expected to alleviate traffic in adjacent residential zones. The second application concerns the site’s redevelopment plans, under which the force intends to renovate and reconstruct parts of its headquarters that are currently unsustainable or unsuitable for their intended use. For more than 70 years, Mount Browne has served as the main headquarters for Surrey Police. Lisa Townsend, the Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner, expressed her approval of the planning decision, describing it as “a significant milestone for the force”. The force also indicated that the historic Old House would be preserved, complemented by a new courtyard wing. Ms Townsend further stated: “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 redevelopment will offer our amazing officers, staff and volunteers a vastly improved working environment that is sustainable for the force, both financially and environmentally.” Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp had previously commented: “We need fit-for-purpose facilities and technology which support our operational activity, not just now, but for many more years to come.” A six-week period for judicial review is now scheduled to occur before the force can proceed with decisions regarding subsequent actions.