West Pier dealt bitter blow by Noble group

The Argus Wednesday, 19 March, 2003

AN ARCANE Victorian law could scupper the future of Brighton's historic West Pier.

The Noble Organisation, which owns the rival Palace Pier, has invoked the antiquated legislation in a final attempt to stall the restoration of the famous structure.

Brighton and Hove City Council last month gave consent in principle for the work, including controversial shoreline buildings.

Noble has objected to the Harbour Revision Order which, by law, is required before construction can begin.

Geoff Lockwood, chief executive of the Brighton West Pier Trust is confident the trust, will be able to clear this latest hurdle.

He said: "Over the past eight years we have obtained Heritage Lottery funding, secured the support of English Heritage, achieved the land contribution from the city council, built a partnership with a committed private sector company and had our planning application approved.

"We are not about to be frustrated by an arcane section of a mid-Victorian law."

A question about Noble's application was asked in the House of Lords by Lord Lloyd of Berwick, a trustee of the trust.

Lord Mclntosh of Haringey, for the Government, said: "There is one outstanding objection to the application and the Harbours Act requires that, when that is the case, an inquiry must be held."

Liberal Democrat peer Lord Dholakia said: "Can the Government do anything to assist in preserving something that is so precious to our seaside?"

Lord Lloyd said: "While all this is going on, the pier is collapsing and unless something is done very soon there will be nothing to restore."

David Biesterfield of The Noble Organisation was not available for comment.