New rides on Blackpool pier rejected

Blackpool Council refused an application for two new rides on South Pier

Proposals for two fairground rides on Blackpool's South Pier have been thrown out by councillors.

Blackpool Pier Company submitted planning applications for a Star Flyer ride on the south side of the pier and Log Flume on the north side, to be in place between 1 April and 31 October each year.

The firm argued the rides would raise vital revenue for repair work on all three of the town's piers, whose heritage importance outweighed normal planning policy.

But the application, which was opposed by Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort, was turned down after a report from the council's planning officer said it did not represent "high quality" project.

The report to councillors said the scheme consisted of "piecemeal development" which was not considered "acceptable" for that area.

It added the log-flume's "functional appearance" would not fit well in the setting of South Pier.

Blackpool Pier Company had a previous bid to install a log flume ride rejected, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In 2018, it was unsuccessful in its efforts to make permanent a temporary ride on the Prom alongside South Pier.