Objectors oppose fire station becoming holiday cottages

The fire station in Bridlington Road, Sledmere, was closed in 2008 and later sold off by East Riding Council.

Its new owner has resubmitted plans for two cottages, which will go before councillors next Monday.

Sledmere parish council has written to planners, raising concern over the proposals, which could see the loss of a car park used to access the village hall, which is used for everything from ballroom dancing to the annual pantomime.

They are also concerned it will set a precedent for holiday cottages in the village, where there is high demand for housing.

The parish clerk, the Earl of Swinton, said there was ample opportunity for holiday lets in the large Georgian farmhouses outside the village. He said: “We would rather the fire station be in business use because it would seem to be a continuation.

“We are objecting to it being holiday accommodation because we would rather have what little accommodation there is in Sledmere as residential.”

The Sledmere Estate has also objected.

Officers are recommending approval, saying they consider the alterations proposed as “minimal.”