Scarborough: Plans submitted for £11m West Pier project

Plans have been submitted by North Yorkshire Council for the £11m regeneration scheme

Plans to transform Scarborough's West Pier in a £11m scheme have been submitted.

The project included new kiosks and public toilets, an outdoor events space and a seafood restaurant, North Yorkshire Council said.

It would help to boost the local economy and celebrate the seaside town's fishing industry heritage, the authority said.

The application is set to be considered by a council planning committee.

The scheme would replace current facilities and buildings with modern premises for existing tenants and businesses.

It would feature improved offices, sheds and warehousing for the fishing sector, the council said.

New parking facilities and vehicle and pedestrian management also feature in the plans.

The council says the plans would "breathe new life" into Scarborough's South Bay

Improvements to the West Pier would include new parking facilities

The application was lodged following a public consultation in September and October, with 91% of respondents agreeing intervention was required to safeguard the ageing pier.

The consultation found 71% of respondents were supportive of the proposals, according to the authority.

Public feedback meant some revisions had been made to the plans, the council said, which included changing benches to have back supports and arm rests.

Updates were also made to the design of the kiosk block.

Richard Flinton, North Yorkshire Council chief executive, said: "Reaching the planning application is an exciting stage for this project.

"Regenerating the West Pier will breathe new life into Scarborough's South Bay whilst respecting and supporting the fishing industry working on the pier."

A fishing business says the pier, pictured in an artist's impression, is "crying out for investment"

Some in the fishing industry previously expressed concerns the move would "take the fishermen away from the pier".

But TG Wood, a fish merchant which has been based on the pier since 1973, said it was an "eyesore" and was "crying out for investment".

Shaun Wood, who runs the family business started by his father, said: "I'm hugely supportive of the plans and the sooner it happens the better.

"We have a huge footprint that we rent from the council, but the building is in disrepair and needs modernising."

He added: "If we've got this money, let's spend it and let's make the place look better and work better for fishermen, locals and tourists."