Fire station with leaks and rodents to get rebuilt
BBCA city fire station deemed "not fit for purpose" will be rebuilt on its existing location, according to authorities.
A campaign was launched in September to build a replacement station on the site of the existing Camels Head Fire Station in the Weston Mill area of Plymouth, Devon, after firefighters complained the building had leaky roofs and windows, rodent problems, unsuitable accommodation and unusable poles.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the station had "reached the end of its life".
Gavin Ellis, from the service, said a modern station would give firefighters a "better-equipped environment" to respond from.
The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority agreed the proposal to use the existing location for the build after exploring other potential options.
It said it had considered public submissions and carried out fire risk assessments.
Luke Pollard, Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: "Not only is the location of this building critical for the safety of the dockyard and naval base, but it has served the communities of Devonport for generations and it has simply reached the end of its life."
He said the firefighters "deserve a safe, modern, and fit for purpose building to work from".
The service said planning and design work would begin, subject to a full business case and planning permission while continuing its emergency responses while the work takes place.
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