Demolition of Blitz-era fire station is approved

COUNCILLORS have voted that Bath Fire Station can be demolished so a new fire station can be built in its place.

- JOHN WIMPERIS

Bath Fire Station was built in 1938 and its facilities for a modern fire service are considered 'substandard'

(Andrew Janakus)

Campaigners had called for the beautiful 1930s building to be saved. Believed to be the last classical building built in Bath before the onset of postwar modernism, the Government is currently in the process of reviewing whether the fire station should be Grade II listed.

The Government will not have long to make up its mind.

Yesterday Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee voted unanimously to approve Avon Fire and Rescue Service’s plans to knock down the fire station and build a “21st-century” facility in its place.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Luke Gazzard told the planning committee: “The existing station on Bathwick Street has served the city well since 1938 but is no longer fit for purpose. It does not meet the standards of safety, accessibility, environmental performance, and staff well-being that the modern fire and rescue service requires, while the construction is unsound.”

The appliance bay doors are not wide enough for modern fire engines, which compromises response times and safety. Meanwhile, the water response vehicle has to be stored in a separate office around the back. The planning application said: “Vehicles frequently strike the sides of the building.”