Ilfracombe Pier plans approved

The council said the regeneration of the harbour entrance has been a priority

Plans for redevelopment around Ilfracombe Pier which will see some of the 1950s ticket kiosks removed have been approved.

North Devon Council’s planning committee gave their go ahead to two applications that the council had put forward for the seaside town when they met last Wednesday.

Two 1950s ticket kiosks will be removed from the entrance of Ilfracombe Pier, which North Devon Council owns and manages.

The kiosks, which the council say are in a ‘poor condition’, will be replaced by a new archway on one side, and would incorporate the existing historic clock from the quay,

The road will be widened on the other side while the plans also include a new pedestrian crossing at the entrance.

The Festival of Britain style Fins from the toll booths, which are included in The Local Interest List for Ilfracombe, will be relocated to the nearby Victoria Pleasure Grounds at the foot of Capstone Hill and used as a design feature for two new multi-purpose kiosks.

A new seating area for the kiosks, plus a seating area for the nearby bus stop opposite the town’s Wetherspoons, is also part of the plans, which have now been approved.

Officers had recommended that the schemes be approved, saying: “The regeneration of the harbour entrance has been a priority for the Council in order to encourage safe functioning of the harbour for pedestrians, vehicles and boats, with the entrance to the quay being a specific pinch point where conflict between the uses has historically occurred.

“The relocation of the kiosks, with education boards explaining their former function would ensure that the significance of the asset is retained in the seaside part of the town, whilst the new archway structure and enabling the widening works to the harbour would provide an attractive alternative somewhat enhancing the harbour entrance which is currently dilapidated, and providing a safe and functional space ensuring the long term economic and social sustainability of the harbour as a public space.

“The less than substantial harm is considered to be outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme and approval of the application is therefore recommended.”