Pier set to lose derelict dangers

The Argus Thursday, 8 January, 2004

PLANS to demolish the landing stages of a historic pier are likely to be approved by city councillors.

The Brighton West Pier Trust has applied to remove the derelict parts of the pier, which were built in the 1890s so it could be used for pleasure steamers to the Isle of Wight and elsewhere.

But the pier has been closed since 1975 and the landing stages have largely disappeared from view except at very low tide.

The trust says they pose a danger to swimmers and to navigation.

They will also have to be removed to allow access for the restoration of the pier, which is expected to start next year.

Planning officer Hamish Walke said English Heritage, the Government's conservation watchdog, had not objected to the proposal, although normally the council would not allow any demolition of or major alteration to a listed building.

But he said: "No funding is available to secure restoration of the landing stages and the structure clearly has no viable future in its current state."

English Heritage has said the West Pier is the most important pleasure pier ever built and it should be restored.

Mr Walke added: "The proposed removal of the landing stages will indirectly provide significant benefits for the community by enabling the restoration to take place."

If permission is granted by the planning committee next Wednesday, councillors are likely to insist removal work does not affect the peregrine falcons which nest on the pier.