POLICE bosses are hoping to convert one of their stations in a Suffolk town into housing as they look to make savings in the face of swingeing cuts.

Suffolk Police Authority has tabled an application with Suffolk Coastal District Council for the site in Badingham Road, Framlingham.

Earlier this year it was revealed that officers in the town will soon be sharing facilities with their counterparts in the fire service on Saxmundham Road. It means the police station will become redundant and by gaining permission for residential use it should enhance the value of the site when it is sold.

NPS Property Consultants Ltd has drawn up plans that would see the station converted to a detached three-bedroom bungalow. An additional home would also be attached to a pair of semi-detached former police houses on the site, creating a terrace of three, three-bedroom properties.

A police authority spokeswoman said: “The police authority has a duty to obtain the best price for the disposal of any property asset and has submitted a planning application to seek residential use for the entire site. As part of the application a financial contribution to the provision of outdoor play space in Framlingham has been included as required by Suffolk Coastal District Council.”

A decision could be made by Suffolk Coastal District Council by as early as next month. There will be no changes to the existing policing arrangements in Framlingham.

The move is part of an ongoing reorganisation that will see both Suffolk Constabulary and the county council share more facilities as they look to save money in the face of government cuts.