Appeal for compromise in pier row

The Argus Saturday, 2 March, 2002

LIBERAL Democrats say a compromise is needed over controversial new seafront redevelopment plans.

Developer St Modwen is submitting a scheme for two large pavilions on either side of the West Pier in Brighton.

The company and Brighton West Pier Trust say a development of this scale is needed to provide cash for restoring and maintaining the Grade I listed buildings.

But there is strong opposition to the scheme headed by a group called Save Our Seafront.

Councillor Paul Elgood, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "There must be a compromise that can be hammered out. I am 100 per cent dedicated to the restoration of the West Pier but not at any cost.

"The proposals put forward are unacceptable and will cause irreversible damage to the seafront.

"It is also unfair that one organisation should be seeking to profit from new buildings on the seafront.

"Previous developments have always been in existing buildings or the arches."

Coun Elgood said that no seafront building should be above the height of the upper promenade.

He said the two proposed pavilions should be lowered to that height by architects.

Unless that was done, there was a risk that the plans would be called in for a public inquiry.

He said: "With the pier in its present state, it could be gone before the outcome is known."

Dr Geoff Lockwood, chief executive of the Brighton West Pier Trust, said there could be scope to change the design of the pavilions.

But he said the size of the development had been agreed in principle by the trust, the developers, the city council and heritage organisations.