NEW plans have been submitted as part of a large-scale rebuild of Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare.
The plans include fitting out the South Toll House (Grade II Listed), the Shell Shop and Pier View landside buildings, reinstating the landside historic Grade II Listed gate line, stabilising the pavilion on Birnbeck Island and creating a new toilet block.
As well as this, the plans include refurbishing and fitting out the 1888 boathouse, to include a café with accessible toilet and a flexible recreational community space, and a public realm work to include installing lighting and information points, creating safe public access on the island, landscaping and work on the car park.
Permission is being sought by Haverstock, the council’s appointed architects for the project.
North Somerset Council announced plans in collaboration with the RNLI for major restoration works at the crumbling pier earlier this year, which is just one of only six Grade II listed pier in England – and the only pier in the UK to connect the mainland to an island.
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The restoration work includes the removal of asbestos, repairing the sea walls, stabilising work to the 1888 boathouse and installing security fencing and welfare facilities.
The iconic landmark will require multiple planning applications as North Somerset Council works to restore Birnbeck Pier and Island.
Your Leveller previously reported on the project receiving a £10 million boost from National Lottery.
The restoration and renovation work proposed within this planning application – for Phase 2b – is subject to an additional bid for funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund due to be determined by next spring.
Councillor Mark Canniford, the council’s executive member responsible for placemaking, as well as local ward member, said: “It’s great to see more significant milestones being achieved as momentum builds in the delivery of this complex project.
“Last month we submitted our bid to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for an additional £7m in funding, and this planning application sets out the work we intend to deliver if that bid is successful.
“I’m particularly pleased to see clear proposals for delivering our aspiration to create a safe and accessible route for people around the island. We want visitors to explore and enjoy as much of the heritage of the island as possible.”
The planning application reference is 24/P/2439/R3 and the Listed Building application is 24/P/2440/RLA.
People can find out more about the proposals on the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/planning.
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