Plan for Sainsbury's shop and flats at old Bewdley Fire Station

The Lombard Group has lodged a planning application for a mixed use retail and residential development on the site of the former station in Dog Lane, which closed down earlier this year.

The Shuttle reported in December 2019 when the land, which also comprised a medical centre that was demolished, was sold for £710,000.

Following a lengthy battle by local campaigners to save the town fire station, crowds gathered at the site in February to watch the final drill. Wyre Forest fire crews were then merged at a new fire service hub in Kidderminster.

Bewdley Fire Station closed down in February

Now, the Lombard Group must wait on Wyre Forest District Council's planning committee's decision on whether its plans for a convenience store and six flats can go ahead.

The development would be a mixed two and one-storey building. The convenience store, which according to the planning application is set to be occupied by Sainsbury's Local, would be on the ground level, with five two-bed apartments and a one-bed apartment on the first floor above.

The shop would be supported by a back of house storage facility and customers would be expected to use the existing Dog Lane car park, while each flat would have one parking space on-site, with two visitor spaces.

Developers say the site will have "less than substantial harm" on the listed buildings surrounding it.

The planning application has received eight comments from members of the public so far, including five objections.

One person described the development as a "fantastic opportunity for Bewdley" while another raised concern that the new shop would "lead to vacant shops in Load Street".

Others said the design was "not in keeping" with nearby buildings in the conservation area.

The Shuttle attempted to contact the Lombard Group for comment on the plans.