Councillors say NO to development of former police station

Wealden District Councillors turned down redevelopment plans for the site of the former Crowborough Police Station

Key Details of the Decision

• Site and Proposal: The application, submitted by Mercator Group, proposed creating three new homes.

This included:

• Converting the vacant former police station into a four-bedroom house.
• Building a second four-bedroom home adjacent to the station, requiring the demolition of modern extensions.
• Constructing a three-bedroom home at the rear on the site of a former garage block.
• Reason for Refusal: Although planning officers recommended approval, committee members rejected the scheme due to concerns about its impact on the surrounding area, specifically noting:
  • Loss of privacy for neighboring occupiers.
  • The "Plot 3" house was considered too large and disrespectful of its surroundings.
  • Harm to the heritage impact of the former station, which is classified as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset (NDHA).

• Opposition: The motion to refuse was proposed by Cllr Jane Clark (Lib Dem) and supported by Council Leader James Partridge, who had previously raised concerns regarding highway safety and the character of the area. 

Other Recent Crowborough Developments:-

• Town Centre Approval: In contrast, long-awaited plans to build three two-bedroom houses on land west of Croft Road (formerly occupied by Crowborough Cabs) were recently granted permission in early January 2026.
• Asylum Camp Dispute: The council remains in a high-profile dispute with the Home Office over plans to house up to 600 asylum seekers at the Crowborough Army Camp - which the council formally resolved to oppose in late 2025.