Fire station plan at risk (From Your Local Guardian)

Fire station plan at risk

4:33pm Tuesday 1st April 2008 in Streatham By Cara Lee

The £7million rebuild of a dilapidated fire station could be in danger and cost taxpayers up to £900,000 due to the building's Grade II listed status.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has agreed to spend £7.1million, and thousands of pounds in professional fees, to demolish and then replace West Norwood fire station on its existing site in Norwood Road But following recommendations from English Heritage, in 2005 the facade of the three-fire engine structure, build in 1917, was made a listed building by the former Secretary of State, current West Norwood MP Tessa Jowell.

Because of its status the LFB has predicted Lambeth Council's planning committee will refuse the application and has set aside money to take it to the current Secretary of State on appeal. The legal fees alone could cost £350,000.

A LFB spokesman said the authority could not find an alternative site for a fire station in West Norwood. He said: "The current building is in a poor condition and cannot accommodate the increased flexibility needed to provide a 21st century fire and rescue service."

He added that the option to demolish and rebuild the station would be better value for money than refurbishing the existing building, even though this meant challenging its listed status.

"The funds which have been set aside cover both the costs of the planning application and an appeal should this prove necessary," he said. "The LFB will take into account whether the costs would be justified before they take the decision to appeal."

"News of progress on the fire station is welcome, but not the extra costs."

Councillor John Whelan

An English Heritage spokeswoman said listed building controls ensure any proposals for demolition are fully scrutinised before decisions are reached. "Secretaries of State would not expect consent to be given for the total or substantial demolition of any listed building without clear and convincing evidence that all reasonable efforts have been made to sustain existing uses or find viable new uses," she said.

"English Heritage believe the retention of a listed building and the provision of a modern service facility are not mutually exclusive aims."

Conservative Councillor John Whelan added: "News of progress on the fire station is welcome, but not the extra costs."