Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority's planning and performance committee approved the plans at a meeting on 28 January, but resolved to re-house artefacts in other museums, while also developing a new 'Virtual Museum'.

According to a report put before the committee, "the main issue is that SHQ is not a good site for the asset. There is not the infrastructure or opening hours to encourage schools to visit and therefore the opportunity to attract the biggest possible audience - children - is lost."

Fire service historian and author Roger Mardon said: "While there is merit in an e-museum as an additional facility, it cannot provide a 'hands-on' experience where visitors can truly appreciate the nature and substance of the exhibits.