Part of a fire headquarters could be razed to make way for houses and to bring the brigade a cash boost.
West Yorkshire Fire And Rescue Service has applied for outline consent to demolish existing buildings and build 30 houses at their Birkenshaw headquarters.
The site earmarked for houses was once occupied by a communications centre and 13 former houses which were used as offices until 2013.
Once planning consent is secured, the fire service will sell the land to house builders and use the money for improving fire stations.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Steve Beckley said: “West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority is in the process of redeveloping its estate as part of a major modernisation programme.
“A number of functions at the Birkenshaw headquarters are being relocated on the same site and elsewhere. Meanwhile, our Emergency Control Centre is also anticipated to move off-site to its new location in Leeds this autumn.
“This will leave a large plot of land at the site surplus to requirements which will be sold off to generate capital to fund other investment, such as new fire stations.
“A successful application for outline planning consent will increase the value of the land for prospective buyers, thereby ensuring more money is available for the Fire and Rescue Authority to reinvest.
“The outline application is for the demolition of existing buildings and up to 30 dwellings on site and will be subject to the usual consultation process through Kirklees Council Planning Department.
“Despite this application, the Fire Authority is not imposing any restrictions on future use of the land and will consider all approaches from potential buyers.”
The application is open to public comments at Kirklees Council until November 11, with a decision likely to be made by a planning committee, they hope by mid-January.
Following a decision the land will go up for sale.
