Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has been granted planning permission to install a new 13.5-metre steel training tower at Princes Risborough Fire Station, council records show. The replacement structure, to be set within a metre of the current tower, will be mounted on a new concrete base following the removal of the older facility.
Design and heritage considerations
Local heritage officers who assessed the application concluded that the proposed tower's lighter-weight construction would be less visually dominant in longer views across the area. Their report said the replacement would not harm the significance of the conservation area and that the public benefit from the upgraded training facility weighed in favour of the scheme.
“A tower is already established on site, and the replacement, due to its lighter-weight construction, would appear less visually dominant in wider views. The development would result in no harm to heritage significance and delivers clear public benefit; therefore, no heritage objection is raised.”
Archaeological assessment and site context
An archaeology officer reviewed the proposals and reported there was no reason to expect significant harm to archaeological assets from the works. On that basis the officer confirmed they saw no need to impose a condition to protect archaeological interest.
- Structure type: steel-framed training tower
- Height: approximately 13.5 metres
- Location: Princes Risborough Fire Station, western side of New Road near the Bell Street/Wycombe Road roundabout
The application documentation indicates the new tower will stand close to the footprint of its predecessor, which has been removed to accommodate the replacement. The planning responses emphasise both the practical benefit to firefighter training and the need to balance that improvement with the visual character of the conservation area.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Proposed height | 13.5 m |
| Proximity to former tower | Within 1 metre |
| Site | Princes Risborough Fire Station, New Road |
While planning officers have approved the technical aspects of the project, any future work will be carried out under the governance of the Fire and Rescue Service and applicable building regulations. The decision signals a continued investment in local emergency services training capacity that planners say can be delivered without unacceptable harm to the town's heritage or archaeology.
