Plans have been submitted to convert a police station into four new homes. 

The proposals would see Sprowston Police Station, in Wroxham Road, become three separate dwellings - with the existing flat-roofed garage demolished and replaced with a bungalow.

The site became an operations hub in 2022 after the town's team moved to a new base near the A47 and NDR in Postwick.

Norwich Evening News: Sprowston Police StationSprowston Police Station (Image: Google Maps)

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But Norfolk's police and crime commissioner (PCC), Giles Orpen-Smellie, believes there is "no longer a need for this building" because the ways in which services are provided across the county have changed.

The site is believed to offer many challenges for new office requirements and would require significant investment and alterations to operate as a viable office building. 

As such, the PCC has decided the most sustainable solution is to convert the property into homes.

Norwich Evening News: Giles Orpen-Smellie, Norfolk's PCCGiles Orpen-Smellie, Norfolk's PCC (Image: Newsquest)

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Planning documents submitted to Broadland District Council state Mr Orpen-Smellie is keen "to achieve best value for money from property assets", with funds raised from selling off Sprowston's station being used to "provide investment in new properties, vehicles, ICT Technology and operational equipment".

If approved, the building would be converted into two three-bed houses and one single-bed house, alongside one two-bed bungalow.

Parking for nine cars would be provided - with some grassed and landscaped areas also introduced to the site.

A design and access statement claims the project will bring economic, social and environmental benefits to the area. 

Norwich Evening News: The proposals for Sprowston Police StationThe proposals for Sprowston Police Station (Image: Broadland District Council)

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"Once completed the residents would bring benefit to the local shops and services and also the wider use of the city centre," it reads.

"The building will be enhanced to accord with building regulations and as such will be upgraded to improve on the current carbon emissions making a more energy efficient building.

"The completed project would also give additional council tax for the new dwellings providing the council with additional resources for schools, infrastructure and other services."