Development of Eastbourne Pier in jeopardy

The fate of Eastbourne Pier remains unknown after planning consent for children’s rides this summer was unapproved.

Even though Eastbourne Borough councillors were urged to support the plans for temporary rides and stalls, they decided against them, BBC reports.

After the Pier was severely damaged in a fire last year, owners Cuerden Leisure invested £4m into the rebuild but now they may not be able to regain the funds.

General manager Christos Stylianou has said that Cuerden Leisure felt “completely let down” by the council, which has been backing the the company to reconstruct the pier as quickly as possible.

Papers viewed at the council’s meeting claimed the planning proposals weren’t suitable because “the principle, mass, scale and design of the proposal is considered uncharacteristic to Eastbourne Pier, when balanced against its significance and setting.

“The identified harm has been balanced against the temporary nature of the proposal and as such is considered acceptable. However such harm would not be considered acceptable as a permanent fixture nor will it outweigh the need for a new building, which will ensure the enhancement and preservation of Eastbourne Pier as a Grade II* heritage asset.”

However, the papers did advise that the plans be approved on an 18-month temporary basis.

Commenting on the rejection, a council spokesman said: “This is a statutory function independent of other concerns. It is therefore not appropriate for the council to comment directly on the decision by the planning committee to refuse the application”