Basildon Police station to be converted into new homes
A derelict former police station is set to be converted and developed into eight new homes, after the building was hit by arson, vandalism and break-ins.
A derelict former police station is set to be converted and developed into eight new homes, after the building was hit by arson, vandalism and break-ins.
Demetriou Property and Asset Management says its proposals for the new homes at the former police station in Rectory Road, Pitsea, “will transform the existing tired appearance.”
Basildon Council has given the developer planning permission for the conversion and remodelling of the building, including the demolition of part of the building, a two-storey rear extension, and a new bungalow on the former yard and car park area.
The plans include three two-bedroom homes, four three-bedroom homes and a four-bedroom bungalow. The proposals are also expected to see one parking space for each of the properties.
The planning documents state, it is believed the police station closed in December 2019. The former police station closed its front counter and public interaction in April 2016 when public-facing police services were transferred to Basildon Police Station, the plans say. Pitsea Police Station continued operation as a police function until its formal closure in December 2019, according to the planning documents.
The documents submitted with the plans also state the building has suffered break-ins, vandalism, including stripping of the building for its valuable metals and arson. The arson damage occurred in 2024, damaging the first floor and resulting in a large hole within the roof, the planning documents state.
The plans also say: “The proposal will reuse buildings, encapsulate built carbon, and revitalise this building and yard area into meaningful residential development. The proposal will significantly enhance high-quality architecture for new residential development, reusing existing buildings and building new ones to bring forward much-needed new homes. The proposal makes efficient use of the redundant building and rear yard plot to provide much-needed new homes within the district.
“Total reuse and refurbishment of the former police station and bringing the rear yard into residential use will transform the existing tired appearance into one of high-quality architect-designed spaces, enhancing the immediate setting for surrounding residential occupiers. Our proposal will make a wonderful enhancement to Rectory Road and Howard Crescent, making better use of the site, and displaying the union between well-considered architecture and the existing streetscape of Pitsea.”
The council’s planning officer’s report reads: “There will also be economic benefits during its construction period, and an increase in local household spending following occupation. Whilst in terms of its social aspect of sustainable development, the proposed development will have clear benefits in providing much-needed new housing. It should also be noted that, as encouraged by the central Government, the proposal makes efficient use of a currently underused site situated within an urban area.”