PROPOSALS to demolish a former police station building will require prior approval, the council’s planning department has ruled.

An application has been sent in for the demolition of Thatto Heath Police Station, on Thatto Heath Road.

It was reported in 2022 that the Thatto Heath site was one of four stations across Merseyside deemed to be surplus to requirements to be disposed of by the force.

The application stated that works will include asbestos removal; soft strip internal to buildings; demolition of the main buildings in stages; segregation of different materials for waste and materials management and waste disposal.

Potential for 'dust to cause nuisance'

In a report, case officer Alex Ball noted that the “Local Planning Authority concurs with the methodology for demolition as submitted and raises no objection to the proposed remediation of the site”.

However, it stated that prior approval would be required due to the potential for dust to cause nuisance to surrounding properties from the demolition, with a dust management plan recommended.

It was also said a “lighting scheme” would also be required as lighting from the demolition may affect bat habitats at the site.

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The report added: “The council’s Air Quality officer has been consulted and raised no objection to the development, subject to an air-borne dust condition.

“Dust has the potential to cause nuisance to surrounding properties as part of the demolition of the building. It is recommended that a dust management plan is provided before the commencement of development”.

It also said: “MEAS has requested a lighting scheme. Habitats on-site and adjacent to the site may provide foraging and commuting habitat for bats.

“Lighting for the demolition may affect the use of these areas. A lighting scheme should be submitted as part of the method of demolition, to protect ecology and does not result in excessive light spillage onto habitats.”

The report concluded: “Based on the consultee responses received prior approval is required for the method of demolition works”.