New use proposed for former ambulance station in Thornton as planning application lodged with Wyre Council
“Our design retains the familiar form and character of the premises while improving comfort, energy efficiency and the working environment.”
Proposals to transform the former North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) station in Thornton into offices for a roofing firm have now been lodged with Wyre planners.
The station, on Fleetwood Road South, closed following the opening of the central Blackpool ambulance hub in March 2023.
The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) closed several local stations—in Fleetwood, Thornton, Lytham, and Wesham—to transition to a “hub and spoke” operating model tied to the new, three-storey central hub on Parkinson Way, off Waterloo Road.
The move came after data showed that ambulances were rarely at their local stations when dispatched to an emergency, as most vehicles were already out on the road or at hospitals
The old station at Thornton has been acquired by Castle Roofing Consultants Ltd, who submitted a planning application to Wyre on Thursday (October 22) seeking consent for a change of use of a former ambulance station (Sui Generis) to offices (E) with associated car park.
A Planning Statement on behalf of the application, submitted by Alan Jones Chartered Surveyors, says: “This proposal gives existing accommodation a productive new use while retaining the building's established appearance and improving its suitability for modern occupation.
“Our design retains the familiar form and character of the premises while improving comfort, energy efficiency and the working environment.
“The works comprise refurbishment, thermal improvements and replacement windows within the existing building.
“There are no extensions, additional storeys or additional floorspace. Use and amount of development.
“The proposed accommodation will support the company's administrative and commercial office functions, with associated parking.”
It says the offices comprise 98 m² of existing accommodation and will accommodate three full-time staff.
The refurbishment is contained within the existing building envelope, with no increase in floorspace.
The statement concludes: “The proposal provides a sympathetic and proportionate reuse of the former ambulance station.
“It preserves the established building, provides modern office accommodation and supports continued maintenance and thermal improvement without extensions or additional floorspace.
“These design benefits, together with the use of existing access and on-site parking, support a favourable consideration of the application.”