IT IS encouraging to see the regional planning inspector uphold the decision of our local planning committee.

This was to turn down the application by Dorset Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) and McCarthy & Stone to replace the old fire station with a block of modern flats.

I would like to state that I am not against the building of modern residential or commercial property or that there is not a need for it or the addition to and improvement of our public service infrastructure.

I think I would be correct in saying that the chief fire officer of DFRS could not commence with another phase of the community fire station facilities at Westhaven if it were not for the planning application to be granted and subsequent sale of a then high-value site.

Surely the point of a planning authority system is to consider applications on merit and the suitability of a scheme for its proposed location, not whether it will fund another project or not.

If this application was to be granted under such terms I think many other subsequent applicants would be either trying the same tactics or feeling put out at there not being a fair system for all.

The Old Fire Station is a fine looking building and part of Weymouth’s history – it should be preserved and listed.

There are other alternatives than just demolishing all the old buildings; sometimes it just needs a different approach.

My suggestion is for anybody who has an interest in the Old Fire Station site to have a look at a recent development carried out by construction firm Alandale on a Grade II-listed victorian former fire station at More London.

It’s on the Alandale website (alandaleuk.com) under building/portfolio.

This involved refurbishment and restoration of the existing structure together with a linked new build extension. The development was for retail on the ground floor with office units above.

Maybe a similar scheme would be financially viable and might just work for our Old Fire Station, saving and enhancing the architecture and letting the chief fire officer continue on his quest for community facility improvements.

Richard Murphy, Wyke Road, Weymouth