Homes bid for former firehouse

The Carlinghow Lane site will be closed when staff start working at a new centralised station in Carlton Road, Batley Carr, in October along with those who serve at Dewsbury’s site.

The move was revealed in December 2013, but the outline application, submitted by the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, is the first indication of what might happen to the land following the move.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Steve Beckley said: “When the time comes, we wish to achieve the best price possible for redundant sites so that this income can be directed back into providing a first class fire and rescue service.”

Coun Peter O’Neill (Batley West) said that there is a need for housing in the town, so if the plans provide families with the opporunity to find a home, he is in favour of them.

“In principle I don’t object to it, but I will have to see what residents and constituents generally think,” he said.