Controversial plans to modernise Burnham’s landmark pier with a £100,000 revamp have been given the go-ahead by councillors today (Tuesday).
Delighted Pavilion Manager Louise Parkin was today given approval to install a £60,000 high-tech folding roof and another £40,000 of improvements to help the seafront attraction grow.
She welcomed the decision, telling Burnham-On-Sea.com that it is “fantastic news and a great result for Burnham.”
The surprise decision was made by district councillors at today’s meeting of the council’s Development Control Committee.
It came despite Sedgemoor case officer Chris Gomm recommending that the application be rejected by councillors, saying the potential economic benefits of the scheme do not outweigh the “significant harm” that the development could cause.
Sedgemoor received three letters objecting against the scheme, with five in support – including one from the National Piers Society.
Burnham and Highbridge Town Council also said it supported the application on the grounds that “it will increase employment opportunities and be beneficial for tourism and will improve the existing building.”
The views contradicted Mr Gomm, who said in his report to councillors: “The application site is located within Burnham’s conservation area. The Pavilion itself is an undesignated heritage asset which is an important focal point on The Esplanade; it is an attractive Edwardian building which has to-date retained its original character and charm.”
He added: “The proposed canopy structure is to be erected in a highly visible, high profile position on the principal, street-facing elevation of the building. The building’s principal elevation and attractive roof structure will be obscured from the adjacent Esplanade by virtue of the proposal’s inappropriate massing, scale and height.”
“The proposal will dominate, rather than be subservient to the existing building. The proposal will detract from and fundamentally change the attractive and unique silhouette of the building. Ultimately, the proposal’s overall design and materials are such that it will significantly harm the character and appearance of the existing building and that of the surrounding conservation area.”
One local resident opposed to the scheme was Bev Milner Simonds, who told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The passed proposal is a poor design on an historic building. The silhouette of the pavilion will be lost forever behind this plastic box. I am disappointed that my elected representatives have gone against the planning officer’s advice and have not valued the conservation area and the seafront of Burnham more highly. I am not against the expansion of the pavilion, but a better design could have been sought.”
The proposed shelter will be 14 metres wide by 10 metres deep and will provide seating for the Pavilion’s café. The plans for a 35ft retractable roof to cover the food forecourt were first revealed here.
Miss Parkin added: “The costs of maintaining the pier are enormous and we have to do what we can to make it viable.”
She explained that the building’s insurance premiums have risen 240% since the Weston Pier fire while amusement arcade takings have fallen 75% since 2007.
“With our overheads and continual maintenance, we have to adapt and compensate before the structure is compromised. This is why the weather-proof forecourt is needed. At present, we can seat up to 80 people in good weather but only 30 in bad weather. Despite what the artists impression indicates, we will only seat a few more customers than before, but in all weathers. This additional space will also accommodate new children’s rides.”
