New fire station at Bath Fire Station, Bathwick, Bath

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing fire station, offices and drill tower and building replacements with revised access, parking and landscaping.

“The application seeks full planning permission for demolition of the existing fire station, offices and drill tower, to enable redevelopment of the site with a new fire station, associated offices and drill tower with revised access, car parking, landscaping and associated works.”

“The proposed fire station would be constructed roughly on the same footprint as the existing building. The access to the site and rear yard area would be relocated south, to enable development of a new ancillary accommodation and offices to the north. The proposed building would comprise a main range with 6 appliance bays fronting Bathwick Street and ancillary accommodation above.”

Officer report

The site today

The site contains a long-established fire station, a six-storey drill tower, offices, parking and a forecourt beside Bathwick Street.

“The application relates to Bath Fire Station which is located to the northern side of Bathwick Street, Bathwick ward, approx. 700m north-east of Bath city centre. The site was developed from a municipal waste landfill site in the 1930s and has been the fire station for Bath for almost a century.”

“The site comprises a main fire station building subject to rear extensions, before a large rear yard. The yard contains a six-storey drill tower clad in Bath stone, car parking and a forecourt area used for various operational purposes. There are single storey offices to the northern side. The fire station is two storeys, constructed from Bath stone ashlar and designed in a neo-classical style with art deco motifs.”

Officer report

Planning and heritage history

Earlier alterations were permitted, while the existing station and drill tower remain locally listed non-designated heritage assets despite a rejected national listing application under review.

“The fire station and drill tower is recorded as an 'unlisted building of merit' within the Bathwick Character Area of the Bath Conservation Area. The building and drill tower is a locally listed building and non-designated heritage asset. A recent application for the building to be added to the National Heritage List for England at grade II was rejected by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in September 2025.”

“Bathwick Street (A36) is a major arterial transit route through the city. The fire station is strategically located on this key route, nearby Cleaveland Bridge. The adjacent bridge and former tollhouses are included on the National Heritage List for England at Grade II* level. There are a multitude of other buildings and structures also featured on the list in the vicinity of the site, including the Church of St John the Baptist (Grade II) located opposite.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because upgraded emergency-service facilities and other public benefits would outweigh heritage harm and could be controlled through conditions and an agreement.

“Demolition of the 1930s fire station and drill tower would result in loss of a non-designated heritage asset and therefore heritage harm. A balanced judgement is required by national policy where non-designated assets are implicated. Public benefits must also exist to outweigh harm posed to designated heritage assets, including associated less than substantial harm associated with demolition and redevelopment to the Bath Conservation Area.”

“Following assessment, despite some harm posed by heritage, landscape and townscape impacts, the policy weight in favour of enhanced facilities for emergency services and other public benefits of the development, are sufficient for the development to be acceptable overall. Officers are satisfied that on balance the scheme represents sustainable development, and residual impacts can be mitigated by conditions and a s106 agreement.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Most technical consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while heritage consultees identified harm from demolition, design and materials.

“Despite being a non-designated heritage asset, the building is considered to be of national importance in terms of special architectural and historic interest. In weighing the application for total loss of the heritage asset, a balanced judgement will be required having regard to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset.”

“Drill tower - The revised design is an improvement and has responded to the main concerns raised. However, there is concern over the proposed use of reconstituted stone. This is not a suitable material for the tower, which will be a visually prominent aspect of the site in a number of surrounding views within the Conservation Area, World Heritage Site, and setting of Listed buildings. This should be amended to ashlar limestone.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Assistant Chief Fire Officer supported the application, and a statement from the ward councillor supported delegated permission and described the existing building as unsuitable.

What members debated

Members accepted the need to replace the poorly maintained station, supported the design and emergency response benefits, and acknowledged the loss of the historic building.

“Cllr Warren opened the debate and commented that although it was disappointing to see an old building demolished, in this case the 90-year old building was not fit for purpose, and the new building was essential to give firefighters the facilities they deserved. He moved the officers’ recommendation to delegate to permit the application.”

“Cllr Crossley spoke in support of the motion and praised the design of the new building and acknowledged the need for modern facilities to ensure a rapid response time.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Members carried the motion unanimously, with nine votes in favour and none against.

“On voting for the motion, it was CARRIED (9 in favour and 0 against - unanimous).”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was delegated to officers subject to a carbon-offsetting agreement, no material heritage-listing change and the report’s conditions.

“RESOLVED that officers be delegated to permit the application subject to: 1. Authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to complete a Legal Agreement to secure a financial contribution of £60,191 towards the Council's Carbon Offsetting Fund.”

“No material change in circumstances relating to addition of buildings at the site to the National Heritage List for England). 3. The conditions set out in the report (or other such conditions as may be appropriate).”

Minutes