Picture this: a seaside town like Blackpool, bursting with history and holiday vibes, trying to jazz up its iconic pier with a couple of exciting new rides. But here's the twist – planning authorities have shot down the idea yet again, sparking debates about what counts as 'development' in a place that's all about fun and tourism. Intrigued? Let's dive into the details and see why this isn't as straightforward as it sounds.
Just recently, in November, the Blackpool Pier Company submitted another application for a Certificate of Proposed Lawfulness, often abbreviated as CLOPED. For those new to this, a CLOPED is basically a document that confirms a proposed use or development doesn't need full planning permission because it's deemed lawful without it. They wanted to place two thrilling rides – a log flume and a star flyer – on either side of the South Pier Headland. The pitch? These attractions would draw crowds, supercharge tourism, and add a splash of adrenaline to Blackpool's seaside scene. Sound like a win-win, right?
But here's where it gets controversial: the company argued that these rides weren't 'development' in the planning sense, so they shouldn't require that extra green light. After all, they planned to set them up only seasonally, from April 1st to October 31st each year, installing and removing them independently without permanent changes. However, the planning officer wasn't convinced. They ruled that these structures were substantial enough to qualify as development, meaning planning permission was absolutely necessary. This echoes a refusal back in September, where the officer pointed out that the rides would clash with local planning policies, particularly in how they'd visually fit into the pier's historic setting.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not the first time around. Back in 2018, a similar application got the thumbs down after an initial temporary approval. So why the repeat rejections? The latest planning report sheds light, explaining that while the rides might not be bolted down, they'd still have heavy components to anchor against the wind, creating a physical connection to the ground. Once installed, moving them would mean full dismantling – in other words, they're not just temporary fixtures but operational developments that demand proper permission. No such permission exists, so the certificate was denied, keeping the rides from becoming lawful additions to the landscape.
To give you a better sense, let's break down the rides themselves. The log flume, which comes in various styles but follows a classic watery thrill, has a footprint of about 42 meters (that's roughly 138 feet) by 18 meters (59 feet), reaching a height of 12 meters (39 feet). Its track snakes through a mini lake setup for a total length of around 220 meters (722 feet), offering a splashy adventure that could be a real crowd-pleaser. Meanwhile, the star flyer towers at an impressive 77 meters (253 feet), spinning riders high above the coast for panoramic views – think of it as a modern twist on traditional fairground excitement.
Now, this situation raises some big questions about balancing innovation with preservation. On one hand, many might argue that temporary rides could breathe new life into tourism-dependent towns like Blackpool, especially post-pandemic recovery. But on the other, critics worry about altering the visual harmony of historic sites or setting precedents for more permanent changes. Is the pier's charm about its classic allure, or should it evolve with the times? Do these refusals protect tradition at the expense of economic boosts, or prevent overdevelopment that could harm the environment? What do you think – would these rides enhance Blackpool's magic, or just clutter up its iconic skyline? Drop your opinions in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you side with the planners, the pier company, or somewhere in between! And don't forget to tune into BBC Radio Lancashire for more local stories, catch up on BBC North West Tonight, or send tips via WhatsApp to 0808 100 2230.
