Planning application submitted for Birnbeck Pier project

A planning application has been submitted on North Somerset Council’s behalf outlining proposals for the first phase of its work on the Birnbeck Pier project.

If approved, work is proposed to start later this year on the landside buildings so that they could reopen to the public in 2025. It would also enable subsequent phases of the project to take place, including restoring the pier itself and re-establishing the RNLI’s lifeboat station on Birnbeck Island.

Permission is being sought by Haverstock, the council’s appointed architect practice, within plans that include:

• Restoring Pier Master’s Cottage and reinstating the bell tower, extending the building to the north to create space for a café intended to open to the public all year round,
• Creating other visitor facilities, including toilets,
• Essential repairs to weatherproof the other landside buildings known as Pier View, the old shell shop, and the South Toll House,
• Stabilising buildings on the island including The Pavillion, 1888 Boathouse and the Clocktower, and
• Providing essential services and infrastructure to the whole site – the landside buildings, the island and the pier itself – including work underground on water and sewage pumps, and installation of a new fit-for-purpose electricity substation.

This element of restoration and renovation work is being funded from an allocation of £4.47 million from the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Image: Birnbeck Pier 

Councillor Mark Canniford, the council's executive member responsible for placemaking, as well as local ward member, said: “It’s encouraging to see these proposals submitted for planning approval. Momentum is really building now and we’re edging ever closer to starting work on site later this year.

“Just earlier this month, the council’s Executive approved for the project team to go ahead with sourcing construction contracts to deliver the restoration work. It’s certainly all systems go, which is extremely exciting.”

Tom Gibb, Partner at Haverstock, added: “We’re excited to submit a planning and listed building consent application, the first step to reinstating the pier site as a publicly accessible attraction and unique heritage experience.

“This first application aims to arrest decay and save significant historic fabric on both the landward and island site. The application includes reopening and extending the Pier Master’s Cottage as a space for the public to view subsequent phases of repair and regeneration.”

The planning application reference is 24/P/0679/R3 and the Listed Building application is 24/P/0680/RLA. The documents can be accessed online. There people can find more information on the proposals, including detailed drawings.

The whole project – to restore Birnbeck Pier and Island – has been made possible thanks to funding from the RNLI, UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, National Heritage Memorial Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.

To find out more about the Birnbeck Pier project, visit the information hub next to the pier or the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/birnbeckpierproject.