Police HQ revamp re-approved after flood risk holdup

Surrey Police plans to redevelop its existing headquarters in Guildford

Councillors have again approved plans to redevelop Surrey Police's headquarters after scrutinising a revised flood risk study.

Guildford Borough Council's planning committee green-lit the scheme in November but councillors re-evaluated after the Environment Agency issued new flood maps.

An updated risk assessment noted "areas with high chance" of flooding near existing buildings at the Mount Browne site, but an overall "low" risk.

Councillors unanimously approved the proposal after council planners confirmed the project remained compliant with regulations.

The study has also described a "low to high chance of surface water flooding" near the Mount Browne site's proposed new dog school.

A council officer told the committee meeting on Tuesday that the updated study would "make no difference to this development".

They said: "The drainage strategy already approved is sufficient even with the updated flood risk."

Mount Browne has been the headquarters of Surrey Police for more than 70 years, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Between 2020 and 2021, Surrey Police spent nearly £3m on plans for an alternative Leatherhead site before opting to redevelop Mount Browne.