Pier trust criticises opponents' leaflet

The Argus Thursday, 1 November, 2001

CAMPAIGNERS who want to preserve a historic pier have condemned a circular opposing new buildings as biased and inaccurate.

Developer St Modwen is planning a shoreline development on Brighton seafront to help pay for the restoration of the West Pier.

If approved by city councillors, it would consist of two leisure buildings on either side of the pier.

The leaflet produced by the Save Our Seafront campaign asks: "Can you imagine a wall of buildings 16.5ft high above the level of King's Road, stretching for a total of 400ft along the seafront?"

The group said the buildings would obliterate views of the sea and the pier.

The leaflet welcomed restoration of the pier but added: 'We want it to be at the centre of a development which will positively enhance its setting and not be a brutal and ill-judged invasion of a prized and much loved part of the city, destroying both its character and its historic charm."

Brighton West Pier Trust chief executive Geoff Lockwood said much of the circular was rubbish.

He added anyone would vote against a wall as described in the leaflet but insisted: "No one is making such a proposal. Neither is anyone proposing to obliterate views of the sea."

The proposed development is highly sensitive to views of the sea from and along the promenade.

"The scheme will, in fact, enhance views of the West Pier for walkers along the promenade by, in effect, extending the promenade walk southwards.

Dr Lockwood said the West Pier would not be restored without development next to it. This had been agreed by the trust and other organisations years ago.