Planners back rebuild of pier

Controversial restoration wins official support

The Argus Wednesday, 19 February, 2003

PLANNING officers have backed controversial restoration plans for Brighton's historic West Pier.

They have recommended Brighton and Hove city councillors approve the proposals put forward by developers St Modwen and the West Pier Trust.

The plans include restoring the Grade I listed pier and putting up large shoreline leisure buildings to make the scheme viable.

There has been strong opposition to the buildings from Save Our Seafront and amenity societies.

More than 3,000 objections have been received by the council.

However, several influential organisations have backed the bid, including English Heritage.

Now planning officer Hamish Waike is recommending approval, subject to many conditions and a legal agreement, at a meeting next Wednesday.

Mr Waike said in his 88-page report: "The scheme is undoubtedly controversial and would have some adverse impact upon issues, including ecology, seafront views and the character and appearance of the Regency Square conservation area.

"It would also secure the restoration of a Grade I listed building and one of the finest piers in the world."

Mr Waike concluded on balance the advantages out-weighed the negative impact but said conditions would provide control over it.

Proposed conditions include making sure the shoreline buildings secure the restoration, providing better public transport access to the site. noise control and staggered hours of closure.

Developers must make money available for a report on what happens to starlings which roost on the pier and contribute towards nesting boxes in the area for peregrine falcons.

The 39-point legal agreement covers points such as making sure no noise from the pier or leisure buildings is audible nearby.

The application was submitted in April last year but was altered later to meet some objections.

One of the strongest is from the rival Palace Pier, which also objected at National Lottery money being used for part of the restoration.

Mr Waike said the revised plans were an improvement on the original but still presented problems.

Sue Paskins, from Save Our Seafront, said: "There is an alternative plan which we support, which will not ruin the seafront."

West Pier Trust chief executive Geoff Lockwood said: "It is time to face the reality of the situation.

"Our proposals are sound. Let us get on with implementing them."

St Modwen director Nick Doyle said: "There are just seven days left to save the West Pier.

"The countdown is already under way and any further delay will signal the end of the pier."