THE demolition of a former police station has been given official approval by the council.

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.

Planning officers said that the “Local Planning Authority concurs with the methodology for demolition as submitted and raises no objection to the proposed remediation of the site”.

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However, it was 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.

In a report, case officer Alex Ball noted: "The applicant has now provided additional information stating that demolition works will only commence during daylight hours, without the need for artificial lighting, and mitigation measures to minimise the spread of dust. The Council’s Air Quality officer has reviewed the additional information and raises no objection.

"An informative has been added in the event of any dust complaints, that the environmental health team at the council is contacted.

"Based on the additional information received from the applicant, it is considered that Prior Approval can be granted, and demolition must take place in accordance with the details submitted."

Meanwhile, Countryside Partnerships has sent in separate proposals to use the former Thatto Heath Police Station site as an area of public open space following the demolition.

This application was submitted in conjunction with the one for the demolition of the empty police station building.