Plans to build two new rides on pier thrown out

A planning appeal for two new rides at South Pier in Blackpool has been thrown out by the Planning Inspectorate.

Blackpool Pier Company was challenging two decisions made by Blackpool Council for a log flume and a star flyer at either side of the pier - saying they would provide a major attraction and boost tourism.

Blackpool Council had argued that the rides were inappropriate for the site.

Paul Freer, the inspector appointed for the appeal, said the rides would constitute more harm to the seafront area than benefit.

Back in September 2025, Blackpool Pier Company's application for planning permission for the siting of two rides on either side of South Pier Headland area, was rejected by council planners.

Two months later, in November, planners also refused a second application, this being for a Certificate of Proposed Lawfulness (CLOPED) for the siting of two rides, which would effectively mean they would not need formal planning permission.

The Pier Company maintained that the rides did not constitute "development" in the normal sense of a building, and that planning permission was not needed and a CLOPED could be issued instead.

But the council rejected the bid.

On the CLOPED proposals, the inspector ruled the rides constitute buildings "by reason of their size, together with their degree of permanence and physical attachment".

He said the council's decision to refuse the certificate was "well-founded" and the appeal should be "dismissed".

Of the earlier bid for planning permission, the inspector considered a "split decision" in favour of one or other of the rides would not be acceptable and that the two rides together would constitute more harm to the seafront area than benefit, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

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