THE go-ahead has been given for the demolition of Halesowen Fire Station, paving the way for houses to be built on the site.

Dudley planners gave permission for the 1950s buildings to be razed to the ground by Horgan Homes.

Outline planning permission had already been approved for the building of 14 three-storey mews style semi-detached and detached properties.

The Hagley Road station was closed down two years despite strong opposition and replaced earlier this month with a community fire station at Cradley Heath with one appliance covering both towns.

Horgan Homes plan to start demolition with a month and planners approved the work on condition that the site is restored and fenced prior to redevelopment.