Planning permission secured for redevelopment of police ’HQ

Planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s headquarters in Welwyn Garden City.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council granted full planning permission yesterday (Tuesday June 28).

It means that plans to demolish the outdated and inefficient large buildings, which would require a backlog of repairs costing in the region of £15million can go ahead.

The old buildings are due to be replaced with a state-of-the-art building that will be less expensive to run and much more environmentally friendly.

Prior to the formal planning application being submitted, a local consultation was conducted last year to give residents and businesses the opportunity to have their say on the plans.

The main building work on the site in Stanborough Road is set to start in September next year and is expected to take around two years.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire David Lloyd said: “The current building has reached the end of its economic lifespan and is in dire need of modernisation. On a business level it is more cost effective in the medium and long term to replace the building.

“The rejuvenation of the HQ building is just one part of the estates strategy which is committed to retaining, and expanding, front line police stations across the county for local communities.”

Hertfordshire Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: “While we have been waiting for planning permission, extensive work has been taking place behind the scenes to get us ready for the demolition and building phases, including organising the relocation of various departments while the works are ongoing.

“Securing planning permission means we can now drive forward with this exciting project, which will provide a modern headquarters that is fit for purpose and much more efficient to run.”