Bedfordshire Police’s existing HQ was not fit for purpose and the force had a need for a new HQ building to ensure the safety and security of the force’s officers and detainees.
We were instructed to design, plan and build a new custody suite, office space and associated external works. Using our local knowledge and excellent relationship with the local authority, we mediated on behalf of the client and resolved several issues to secure planning permission in a timely manner.
Through our initial appraisal of the site we identified several factors that needed further assessment. These included heritage impacts which our heritage team was able to assess and subsequently, through the provision of a Heritage Impact Assessment, support the development proposal.
The highlight of the project was ensuring the local authority’s understanding of the bespoke nature of the host client’s project needs, namely the specific operational requirements of the police, particularly in respect to car parking and site management. The development represents a state-of-the-art facility, allowing the police to have its investigation teams operating under one roof, which will translate into benefits around operational work and information sharing.
The project’s success led to a strong working relationship with the landowner with further work being instructed on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner in respect to representations on their land interests toward the Local Plan Review and planning advice on how they continue to redevelop their headquarters.
Get in touch with our team
Mike Jones
Partner, Planning
Mike is a Chartered Town Planner with 19+ years’ experience and knowledge across an array of sectors.
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Kate Hannelly-Brown
Partner, Heritage and Design
A heritage consultant, architectural technician and conservation officer all rolled in to one.
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