Avon Fire & Rescue Service has apologised for starting work on its proposed temporary fire station in Bath without waiting for planning approval.
Work is well under way on the temporary station, despite permission still being needed
Plans to demolish Bath Fire Station in Bathwick Street and build a replacement modern and fully sustainable facility on the site were supported by the council’s planning committee last month, with members agreeing to delegate the power to officers to grant planning permission once legal agreements were completed.
They were signed off last week.
To maintain critical emergency services during the proposed 18-month redevelopment, a temporary fire station is to be built on the former Unigate Dairies site at Roseberry Place, off Lower Bristol Road in Twerton.
The planned modular buildings include a station office, vehicle storage bay, staff gym and parking. Work started earlier this month, even though Bath & North East Somerset Council has not given its stamp of approval. The council’s decision target date was 13th October.
Last Wednesday, 10th December, a council scientific officer was still chasing information about the site’s suitability for its intended use.
In an email posted on the planning portal, they said: “Based on the information provided and previous site history, there remain several points that require clarification and additional detail to ensure risks are appropriately managed during the works.”
These include historical documentation, ground gas and vapour risks, water supply pipework and encapsulated asbestos.
The email noted: “Notwithstanding the temporary nature of the development, the applicant is required to demonstrate that the site will be suitable for its intended use and will not give rise to unacceptable risks to human health, the environment, or controlled waters for the development and occupation.”
How the new station will look | Image © Avon Fire & Rescue Service / Nicholas Pearson Associates
Avon Fire & Rescue Service said in a statement: “Bath Fire Station is scheduled to close in February 2026, ahead of the planned rebuild of the station.
“Planning permission for this new station was recommended for approval last month. To continue to provide an emergency response to people visiting, living, and working in the city of Bath during the re-build, the station will be moving to a temporary site within the city.
“To meet the February 2026 closure date, essential preparatory works at the temporary site needed to begin. These works are critical to maintaining our emergency response capability and ensuring the safety of the city of Bath throughout the construction period.
“Avon Fire & Rescue Service remains fully engaged in the planning process and is optimistic that permission will be granted soon.
“We continue to work closely with the council and the local community to ensure residents are kept informed, consulted on the plans, and aware of any changes in their area.”
Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for built environment, housing and sustainable development, said: “Avon Fire & Rescue has proposed a temporary fire station at Lower Bristol Road as an essential measure to maintain emergency services cover for the Bath area during the redevelopment of the main fire station on Bathwick Street.
“The planning application for redevelopment of the main fire station received support from the council’s planning committee at their meeting on 19th November and the application for the temporary station is expected to be decided by the end of December.
“We have been informed by Avon Fire & Rescue that it chose to begin works ahead of the decision to ensure the project remains on course and emergency service cover for residents is unaffected.
“We have received an apology and assurances that future works will be co-ordinated with us.”
Historic England had recommended that the Art Deco fire station be Grade II listed, but the government refused, saying it was “not sufficiently special”.
National charity the Twentieth Century Society (C20) has been leading efforts to save it from demolition and a review of the government minister’s decision not to list it has been under way.
However, the Department for Culture, Media & Sport has said the designation review process is non-statutory, so it is under no statutory obligation to respond within a specific timeframe.
