DEMOLITION experts have been flattening part of York’s former fire station in preparation for a major redevelopment of the riverside site.

Offices at the rear of the station overlooking the River Ouse, once occupied by senior officials, are being knocked down to make way for a terrace of four houses.

Groups such as the Victorian Society and Save Britain’s Heritage objected to the building being torn down, but planning officers at City of York Council said the harm this would do to the conservation area would be balanced out by the benefits of bringing more housing into York.

The Clifford Street Venture purchased the land for £2.9million from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority and the 0.35 acre site will be developed into town houses with parking, apartments and a restaurant. The development will retain the facades of a 19th century chapel and school.