CHESHIRE West and Chester councils wants to buy surplus land to the rear of Chester Fire Station with a view to building flats for the homeless or those in need.

Cheshire Fire Authority meets on Wednesday where it is due to discuss the sale for an undisclosed figure.

A new building – which is Cheshire’s first carbon neutral fire station – was opened on the site on St Anne’s Street last year, replacing an old building which dated back to the 1970s.

The authority agreed to market the surplus land on the site, but could not do so until the new station was completed – as the land was used as a temporary fire station during demolition and construction.

The land has still not been marketed, but the council had already registered interest in purchasing it – with the authority and council having been in discussions over the sale for the last 20 months.

At the upcoming meeting, the fire authority could agree to the sale, or decide that it should be put on the market to see if another buyer comes forward.

A report to the authority said the surplus land appeared to have some ‘significant limitations’ in terms of its potential uses and therefore its value, partly because it is overlooked on all sides by tall buildings.

The report said: “Cheshire West has stated that it is exploring a range of options for the surplus land and that it would wish to proceed, subject the production of a viable proposal and to planning.

“Its initial view is that the surplus land would be suitable for affordable one-bedroomed apartments/flats, which would be let to people, through the housing register, who are in the greatest housing need, including people who have been made homeless and/or have other priority needs. Alternatively, it may wish to pursue a supported housing scheme.”

The exact valuation has not been disclosed, but the report said it is ‘relatively small’.