PARTS of a Grade II listed building at Sussex Police’s Lewes headquarters will be demolished to make way for 204 new parking spaces.

The removal of modern additions to a structure on the Church Lane site known as “The Club”, along with the demolition of a firearms block and a former squash court, was approved by Lewes District Council planners last week.

It follows an increase of about 250 staff stationed there since a police reorganisation and the amalgamation of Fire Brigade head office staff at the location.

In a report to the committee, planning officers concluded the older building would actually be enhanced by the changes and were unconcerned by the development’s impact on the nearby Grade I listed Malling House mansion.

They also noted that encouraging use of private vehicles in this way, rather than encouraging the use of public transport, was not ideal but chose to live with the reality of the situation.

They wrote: “Whilst the longer term benefits sought by East Sussex County Council to encourage staff to use alternative means of transport would be welcomed, on the basis that staff numbers at the site have already increased and will remain as such regardless of the outcome of this application, it is considered that securing the additional on-site parking, with some improvements to alternative means of transport can be accepted as proposed.”

The site, which has been in use as a police headquarters since before the introduction of the 1947 planning act, currently currently has parking for 599 cars. Staff parking frequently spills out into nearby residential streets.

A police spokesman said: “Sussex Police and the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner have been delighted to hear that planning permission has been granted to enable major improvements to parking capacity at their joint headquarters.

“The planning permission involves demolition and modification of four existing buildings on the HQ site, creating 204 extra car parking spaces and a new bus public bus shelter opposite the HQ that can be used by staff and the local community.

“Sussex Police has been working with its partners and liaising with local representatives to resolve long-running parking issues in the wider Old Malling estate.

“This development will significantly increase parking provision within the HQ boundaries and will be used by Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

“Coupled with a free shuttle bus and discounted public transport, it is hoped this range of improvements will benefit staff and visitors and help alleviate parking pressures for residents.

“Sussex Police will continue working with East Sussex County Council and Lewes District Council to ensure we meet our new sustainability commitments and ease parking challenges faced by residents.

“We are grateful for the liaison and patience shown by residents and local partners to address this issue and we are pleased that members of the Lewes District Planning Committee are fully supportive of our proposals.”