PLANS for a new headquarters for the Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade on Wearside have won councillors' approval.

The brigade plans to move from its ageing and cramped base in Pilgrim Street, in the heart of Newcastle, to a site at Barmston Mere, Washington.

The new building will be in the grounds of the brigade's existing £3m training centre, near the A1231 Sunderland Highway and Nissan car plant, and will be the base for about 100 uniformed and non-uniformed staff.

Sunderland city councillors have given approval to an outline planning application for the scheme.