MULTI-million-pound plans to redevelop the headquarters of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in Birkenshaw look set to be approved.
The scheme would see the construction of a new modern energy-efficient three-storey headquarters and training facility.
In addition, a new fire station would be created on site by extending the existing Urban Search and Rescue building. This would replace the cover provided from Cleckheaton.
A memorial garden would be created within the site as part of the plans.
The scheme is being recommended for approval when it goes before Kirklees Council’s strategic planning committee on Thursday, July 14.
In a design and access statement accompanying the plans, it states: “A number of the buildings within the Birkenshaw Headquarters site have been deemed to be no longer fit for modern fire training and HQ purposes and require replacement.
“There is also a desire to relocate other emergency functions to the site, and to replace the existing Cleckheaton fire station within a modern facility within the site. Cleckheaton fire station is one of the oldest in West Yorkshire and is now outdated and the Birkenshaw site provides the opportunity to consolidate facilities in a single location as well as upgrade them.
“The proposed development will facilitate the creation of modernised, purpose-built facilities with Birkenshaw acting as the county headquarters and providing essential training facilities for local fire stations. This will protect and enhance employment opportunities in the area and provide the opportunity for further employment growth in the long-term.”
The new building will be energy efficient, making use of photovoltaic panels on the roof, heat pumps and hybrid ventilation, as well as having a highly efficient building fabric.
In a report to the meeting, planners detail how the headquarters have been in Birkenshaw for almost 50 years and that the site is that of a former colliery.
It adds: “With the exception of the current HQ and occupational health buildings which are required to be demolished to allow the construction of the new HQ and Training Facility, all the of the existing building stock will remain.
“The existing USAR building will be extended and repurposed to create the new Fire Station.”
There have been no objections to the plans lodged with the Council.
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