Public Consultation Announced for New Leatherhead Police Headquarters

Surrey Police is preparing to launch a public consultation regarding its proposed new divisional headquarters in Leatherhead. The force’s eastern divisional headquarters has been temporarily situated at Wray Park since April, following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) at Reigate police station. Local residents residing near the proposed site on Cleeve Road, Leatherhead, will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the plans during a consultation event scheduled for later this month at the adjacent Police Federation HQ. Subsequently, a planning application must be submitted to Mole Valley District Council for approval before the force can occupy the premises. For over 70 years, Surrey Police’s primary headquarters has been located at Mount Brown in Guildford. The force acquired the Leatherhead site in 2018 with intentions to relocate its main headquarters there. However, a 2021 review led to a reversal of this decision, opting to remain at Mount Browne, which resulted in the Leatherhead site being offered for sale. Subsequently, Surrey Police declared its intention to retain a portion of the Leatherhead site for the use of its Eastern Division. The force stated that the new location offers convenient access to the county’s principal road networks. In an official statement, the force communicated: “The force has been considering various options for a new location for the divisional headquarters, which will serve the boroughs and districts of Reigate & Banstead, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley and Tandridge.” “We have looked at sites, at all times considering how each one would ensure we can deliver the best possible service to you, our communities, both now and in the future.” An in-person consultation event is scheduled for 28 November, from 16:00 to 19:00 GMT, at the Police Federation HQ located on Highbury Drive in Leatherhead. For updates, follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted via email to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or by WhatsApp to 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.