Plans to dismantle remainder of Colwyn Bay Pier lodged

Plans to dismantle the remainder of Colwyn Bay pier and redevelop a “truncated” structure have now been submitted.

A section of Victoria Pier in Colwyn Bay collapsed into the sea on February 1 and more of it fell apart during Storm Doris on February 23.

This saw a decision taken to start taking down the seaward end of the pier in March – with work now nearing completion.

Yesterday Conwy council submitted planning and listed building consent applications to dismantle the rest of the site – including the two main buildings.

The plans include redeveloping a shortened pier and salvaging heritage elements of the structure for potential use in its restoration.

The Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust wants to restore the pier to its original length, complete with kiosks and a pavilion but has accepted the move to dismantle the structure.

Colwyn Bay Pier being dismantled by contractors
Colwyn Bay Pier being dismantled by contractors

A spokeswoman for Conwy council said: “The planning and listed building consent applications for permission to dismantle Victoria Pier have been submitted.

“The applications request permission to dismantle the Victoria Pier and redevelop a truncated pier, whilst recording and storing elements of heritage and/or structural value in a safe place for potential re-use in a future restoration by a third party.

“The planning and listed building consent applications will be registered by the Planning Authority in due course and will then be subject to the usual planning process.

“Once the application has been considered and assessed by the planning authority the Listed Building Consent application will be submitted to Welsh Government.

“The Listed Building Consent decision is made by a Welsh Government Minister who will be advised by CADW, the Welsh Government’s specialist advisors on heritage matters.

“Council officers continue to liaise with the Pier Trust, and keep them informed of progress.”

Heavy plant machinery was brought to the shore at Colwyn Bay's Victoria Pier in February
Heavy plant machinery was brought to the shore at Colwyn Bay’s Victoria Pier in February

The Grade-II listed structure, was built in 1900 but has been closed to the public for several due to its deteriorating condition.

Conwy Council has budgeted £106,000 a year to manage the pier to develop proposals for demolition. £650,000 has also been set aside as a provision for demolition work.

In 2013, the authority voted to demolish the pier, which closed to the public in 2008, and a report at the time said restoring it would cost more than £15m.

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