Decision due on old former police station in Crowborough

A decision is due on Thursday, January 15, 2026, regarding the redevelopment of the former police station site on Crowborough Hill

Proposed Development:-

The application (reference WD/2025/1433/F) submitted by the Mercator Group seeks to create three new homes on the site: 

• Main Building: Conversion of the long-vacant former police station into a four-bedroom dwelling.
• Additional Housing: Construction of a new four-bedroom detached home adjacent to the station building and a three-bedroom detached chalet bungalow to the rear, replacing an existing garage block.
• Access: Entry to the development would be via North Beeches Road. 

Review Status:-

• Officer Recommendation: Planning officers at Wealden District Council have recommended the scheme for approval. They concluded that while the project may impact the building's heritage setting (as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset), the benefits of bringing the vacant site back into use outweigh the disadvantages.
• Opposition: The application was "called in" to the Minors Planning Committee by Council Leader James Partridge. He argues the development is unacceptable due to its potential impact on neighbor amenity, highway safety, and the local character. 

Context:-

The site has been redundant since a new Crowborough police station opened in the town center in September 2021. The old property was sold by the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner in 2022 for approximately £1.25 million