Homes plan for Sedgley Fire Station plot

A housing development could be built on the site of Sedgley Fire Station, it emerged today.

The Tipton Road base closed in November 2008 despite a public campaign to save it which included a 12,000-name petition.

Bosses revealed last year they wanted to sell off the building but it emerged today that it is yet to be put on the market as they are working on a planning application.

West Midlands Fire Service wants to "maximise the sales value" of the site, with a residential development expected to be most lucrative.

It comes as it was revealed that more than £35,000 has been spent on the station since its closure just over two years ago.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show that since the station closed £23,469 has been spent on business rates.

But West Midlands Fire Service has also had to fork out for building repairs, security costs,electricity bills - and £3,027 on telephone line rentals .

Director of finance Mike Griffiths said: "West Midlands Fire Service is working with the relevant authorities, including Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, with a view to securing planning permission for the site prior to disposal.

"This is a lengthy process and the outcome of the application will determine the timescale for disposal of the site."

Officials are working on the planning application to turn the site into housing which will be submitted to Dudley Council.

If the fire service can secure planning permission it will be able to increase the asking price for the land.