PLANS have been unveiled to build a new fire station in a rural community.

An outline planning application has been submitted to put up a replacement building in Goose Lane, Abbots Bromley.

The ambitious project, funded by a private finance initiative, will maintain the service's single appliance and add an accommodation building for firefighters.

Watch manager Charlie Cooke, a veteran of 39 years at the station, hoped the move would open the service up to the public.

The 60-year-old construction sales worker, of Church Lane, Abbots Bromley, said: "It might not happen for a few years but the plan is to make room at the station to educate the public on fire safety. That just is not possible at the station as it is at the moment.

"Hopefully this commitment will ensure we have a station in the village for a long time to come."

Mr Cooke is currently in the process of increasing the station's number of retained firefighters from 10 to 15.

The recruitment drive will go ahead regardless of whether the replacement base is approved.

Parish councillor Philip Charles said plans had been submitted, admitting present emergency workers were making do with primitive amenities.

He said: "The current station is outdated and a bit basic. Even though we have retained firefighters in Abbots Bromley, a lot of their time is spent waiting on site.

"At the moment, there is barely any more than a kettle to entertain these men and women who provide such a fantastic service to the village. I am sure the development will be welcomed by all."

Mr Charles suggested the investment – which is in addition to a £46 million project to build 10 new community stations across Staffordshire – highlighted the fire authority's commitment to Abbots Bromley.

He said: "A lot of villages our size have lost their fire station but I hope this application shows we plan to have such a vital facility in Abbots Bromley for a long time to come."

Parish council vice-chairman Ray Bell said: "The council has fully supported the application and we hope the project will start as soon as possible."

The present single-storey, flat-roofed station will make way for a construction more suited to the 21st century.

An appliance bay, drill yard and watch office will be complemented by locker rooms, a fitness room and showers.

A kitchenette and dining room will also help improve life on watch for retained firefighters.

In order to enable the fire station to continue to operate during construction, firefighters will make use of temporary on-site facilities.

Peter Brett Associates has been appointed to handle the application on behalf of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue.

A spokesman said: "The details of the proposal are yet to be fully developed but include the rebuilding of the existing fire station with the addition of a small meeting room for community liaison."

The proposal is expected to be considered by East Staffordshire Borough Council this month.

If approved, more extensive designs will be put forward by a PFI partner yet to be selected.