MERSEYSIDE fire authority is considering launching an appeal against a decision to turn down controversial plans to build a fire station on green belt land in Saughall Massie.

Members of the planning committee last night threw out a recommendation that the new facility should be given the go-ahead with the scheme being rejected by seven votes to six.

But today fire chiefs said they will now consider an appeal to the Secretary of State as the decision has "significant implications for the safety of people across West Wirral and more broadly Merseyside."

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority chairman Cllr Dave Hanratty told the Globe: "The authority is very disappointed with the planning committee’s decision.

"We are extremely concerned this results in an avoidable increase in response times in the Hoylake and West Kirby areas - and we believe that lives will be put at risk as a result.

"In an emergency situation, literally every second counts and the selection of Saughall Massie was based on achieving the best possible response times under the circumstances.

"Ongoing budget cuts have impacted the service significantly and it is becoming ever harder for us to provide the service the public quite rightly expect from their fire and rescue service.

"We will do all in our power to maintain some of the fastest response times in the country however there are no options available to us that do not adversely affect our speed and weight of attack.

"Our intention has only ever been to ensure the safety of residents in West Wirral and across Merseyside. "

Labour chairwoman Cllr Anita Leech swung the decision by voting against allowing the development to proceed - to the delight of dozens of protestors gathered in the Civic Hall at Wallasey.

Moreton Conservative councillor Chris Blakeley, who has campaigned against the proposal, described it as "absolutely brilliant news."

He said: "Although local councillors fought against the application, this really is a victory for people-power.

"More than 3,700 residents registered their opposition - and they have won the day in the end.

"It is an outstanding achievement."

He said should the fire authority take up its right of appeal, the campaign group will oppose it vigorously.

A decision over the development at Saughall Massie Road was put on hold in November until councillors carried out a site visit, which took place on Tuesday this week.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service had said the new station would cut costs and reduce response times to West Kirby and Hoylake.

More than 550 objections had been received and a petition against the plan was signed by 3,112 people.

Protesters said the development would damage the character of the village and create traffic hazards.

Prior to the application being refused the fire service stressed budget cuts meant it was forced to make savings of £6.5m.

A spokesman explained: "The proposal in Wirral is to close Upton and West Kirby fire stations and build a new fire station as close to mid-way between the stations as can be achieved. This was supported through an extensive public consultation.

"Saughall Massie Road was one of many sites considered.

"However it was the only site that was suitable, available, and would enable the authority to provide effective cover across West Wirral maintaining the ten-minute response time in-line with the rest of Merseyside."