FIREFIGHTERS have objected to the design of a new station.

Planners are due to consider proposals from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue on Tuesday.

The service has applied for permission to replace the station in Skipton Road, Harrogate with a new building.

The only objection to the scheme has come from fire- fighters. A petition with 43 signatures from firefighters based at the station has been sent to Harrogate Borough Council.

They say that no consideration has been given to the energy efficiency of the building and have suggested that rainwater harvesting, solar panels, a high-efficiency gas boiler and wind turbines should have been incorporated in the design to reduce running costs.

Despite the objection, planning officers have recommended the scheme for approval.

Planning officer Linda Drake said: "Although the council encourages the incorporation of such measures within new buildings, there is no policy with which it can be insisted upon.

"The design of the existing building is functional. The replacement building, although also functional, incorporates a mix of materials and is more visually interesting."

Under the proposals, the buildings on the site will be demolished. The offices will be moved to the southern end of the site, while the drill tower will be rebuilt at the northern end.