Plans for a temporary fire station at Lower Bristol Road in Bath have been revealed.
The site that has been earmarked for a temporary fire station
Avon Fire & Rescue Service says the pre-fabricated facility is essential to maintain critical emergency services during the proposed redevelopment of the existing fire station site in Bathwick Street.
The plan is to demolish the historic fire station and build a new, fully sustainable one on the site.
The Art Deco station is said to be no longer fit for purpose, but the loss of an important landmark building has drawn criticism, including from Bath Preservation Trust.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is due to make a decision on the proposal by 15th October.
Avon & Fire & Rescue Service has identified the former Unigate Dairies site to relocate operations for 18 months during the Bathwick Street redevelopment.
The proposed Portakabin facility at Lower Bristol Road will accommodate six fire appliances. There will be maintenance facilities for emergency vehicles and equipment and essential staff welfare facilities, including a gym.
The application says there is sufficient space for rapid emergency deployment, with vehicular access via Roseberry Road.
It says the existing hardstanding area makes it suitable for the temporary fire station with “minimal adaptation required”.
The site has outline planning consent for mixed-use development and the temporary fire station is described as “an appropriate interim use”.
It will not prejudice future development potential and also maintains an active use on an otherwise vacant brownfield site.
The planning reference is 25/03246/FUL. The deadline for comments is 17th September.
