DORKING'S former police station is to be demolished and replaced with housing.
Mole Valley District Council's (MVDC) development committee granted developer Martin Grant Homes permission to knock down the Moores Road building.
The former station had been on the market since it closed in November last year, and will now be developed into nine family homes in the new year.
Speaking during the meeting at Pippbrook on December 5, MVDC development officer Chris Robertson said: "We believe what has been put forward is attractive and in keeping with the road's appearance.
"The site is within the conservation area and special attention has been paid by the developers to get it right and make it fit in.
"In my opinion this development actually enhances the conservation area."
Councillor Margaret Cooksey said: "I welcome anything that replaces the current ugly police station, and I think a good job has been done by the conservation officer to make this fit in.
"Even the bigger homes on this proposal are the same size as residential dwellings already on Moores Road so it is completely in keeping with developments around it."
The site, which was identified as suitable for residential development by the Dorking Area Action Plan, will include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes.
It originally was put up for sale by Surrey Police as part of the force's move to sell off old buildings.
Moores Road resident Samuel Fletcher said he was sad to see the police station go, but the vacant building had become an eyesore.
"Having a young family, we definitely felt safer having officers so close to home, so it is upsetting in that regard," he said. "But to be honest it was looking so ugly.
"The wider issue now is that I have no idea where I am supposed to go to see my local police officer. To have no permanent, visible presence in the town is a backwards step if you ask me."
In a statement, Michael Meanley, managing director for Martin Grant Homes said: "We are very pleased to have received planning approval on Dorking Police Station.
"We have worked well with Mole Valley planning department to design a scheme which will enhance the conservation area."
