Councillors on North Yorkshire Council’s strategic planning committee have deferred a decision on proposals to regenerate Scarborough’s West Pier.
The multi-million pound scheme would see the restoration of existing heritage facilities, the replacement of buildings deemed not fit-for-purpose, and the addition of new kiosks, offices, sheds and warehousing for the fishing sector, as well as new parking arrangements and public toilets.
The plans also include an outdoor event space. The project would be funded by a £20.2 million grant from the Government's Towns Fund, as well as from the North Yorkshire Council’s investment and regeneration budgets.
The main issue for councillors was whether approving the proposals would prevent the future addition of a boat hoist to the pier.
Opponents of the plan say a boat hoist is essential for the town’s maritime industry, particularly if it is to support the growing offshore wind industry. The committee heard concerns that the current plans do not adequately consider the space that would be required for a boat hoist.
Councillor Andy Brown said that the committee was confused about whether the future of the town would be best served by tourism or by servicing offshore wind farms.
Council planning officers confirmed that the current redevelopment proposal that had been presented to the committee did not include provision for a boat hoist.
Whitby Councillor Neil Swannick said he was concerned about a lack of information about the impact of the proposals on the future ability to add a boat hoist to the pier.
Councillor Brown said there was a lack of information about the boat hoist situation which made it difficult to fully assess the economic benefits of the proposed changes.
Council Officers said the applicant sees the proposal as serving both tourists and the fishing industry.
Councillor, Roberta Swiers, said that while the pier needs regenerating, she had concers over the tourism elements of the scheme and feels the fishing industry needs to be an integral part of the plan.
Councillor Bob Packham backed a proposal to defer the decision, allowing for more informaiton to be gathered about the economic benefits and the plans impacts on teh potential for a boat hoist, he was concerned that without more information the whole scheme could be lost.
Councillor Brown, who had travelled almost three hours from his Skipton division to attend the meeting, expressed discomfort at having to comment on a local council matter so far from home, especially as Scarborough does not currently have a town council to offer guidance.
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