Padiham Fire Station set to get new smaller training tower

The existing drill tower, as the Padiham hub, will be demolished and replaced with a new 15 metre high one.

An existing 'alerter' mast will be relocated to elsewhere in the site in Station Road.

Supporting statements with the application for planning permission to Burnley Council by the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service say: "The application site is on Station Road, adjacent to the river Calder and sits outside the southern boundary of the Padiham Conservation Area.

"The proposed works address the client's upgrade requirements to provide facilities that are fit for purpose meeting the needs of a modern-day fire service.

"New training procedures have informed the design and height of the proposed training tower which is considerably smaller than the existing tower.

"The training regime centres around the deployment of ladders of various heights against the structure, the spraying of water, and occasionally line rescue exercises.

"All of these activities inflict wear and tear on the surface of the structure.

"The proposed galvanised finish is both highly resistant to damage and requires zero maintenance.

"The proposals are very much dictated by their function. The height of the new Training Tower is a betterment over the existing facility.

"On installation the galvanised finish will be bright. However, this will become a dull light grey “matte” like finish within a short period of time.

"The existing black painted tower contrasts with the adjacent light rendered fire station building and stands out significantly against both a bright and dull sky.

"Historically, training towers were indeed utilised as a mounting structure for communications equipment.

"However, a recent study has found that having such equipment affixed to the training tower restricts the use of the tower for its intended purpose i.e. training.

"The equipment is also prone to damage resultant from the training activities which take place.

"Thus, the fire service are seeking to relocate their communications equipment from the training towers onto independent masts, hence the application for a new alerter mast.

"The proposed mast is simply a mounting structure for the communications equipment ie. aerial.

"The proposed mast is for the exclusive use of the fire service for internal communication purposes only.

"There is no harm to any designated heritage assets. The harm to the asset of medium significance (the Bridge over the River Calder) is considered low and the justification is how it improves the response time of firefighters that serve the local community and allows the continued operation of the fire station to the latest standards giving the optimum facilities."