PLANNING chiefs have approved proposals to replace a Hampshire fire station suffering from cracks caused by subsidence.

The existing building at Lower Lane, Bishop's Waltham, will make way for a new facility as part of a £27m investment in the future of firefighting services across the county.

As reported in the Daily Echo, new fire stations are also due to be built at Redbridge and Cosham.

The Bishop's Waltham scheme has been approved by Winchester City Council.

The planning application said subsidence caused by the station's "inadequate" foundations was causing significant cracks in the walls and the slab in the appliance bay. It described the building as "safe to occupy" but said the cracks in the walls were widening.

The application added: "The existing accommodation does not have all the facilities recommended for a modern firefighting service such as gym, office space and meeting rooms."

The station, which was built more than 50 years ago, receives about 160 calls a year.

Demolition is due to start early next year, with building work beginning a short time later. Firefighters will be based at a nearby industrial estate while work is under way. The new station will provide better working and training facilities.

Cllr Rhydian Vaughan, chairman of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “I am delighted that plans for a new fire station in Bishop’s Waltham can move forward. This is great news for the local community and our firefighters.”

The new facility will be built by Morgan Sindall Construction.

Spokesman Alan Smedley said: "Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are investing significantly in modernising facilities to reflect the ever-changing requirements of the fire service and the thriving communities they serve.

“We are extremely excited to begin work on the new fire station and training area in Bishop’s Waltham."

The scheme marks the first chapter in Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s station investment programme.

Redbridge fire station occupies a large site at Redbridge Hill, where space is shared with various partners, including the police and Border Force.

A fire service spokesperson said: "The ambition is to rebuild on the existing site, phasing construction to enable all services to continue to operate while in temporary accommodation.

"This will be a collaboratively designed and cohesive public services building that will continue to serve the local community."

Applications to build new fire stations at Redbridge and Cosham will be submitted later this year.