Second Rejection: New Rides Near Blackpool’s South Pier Denied

Breaking: Planners Rebuff Second Bid For Two New Blackpool Rides Near South Pier

Local planning authorities have rejected the Blackpool rides planning proposal for a second time, denying permission for two new amusement attractions near South Pier. The decision marks the second rebuff to the scheme.

Officials have not disclosed new reasons in the public notice.Developers behind the bid have yet to comment publicly.

What happened

The planning body again refused the plan to add two rides along Blackpool’s waterfront, reinforcing residents’ and stakeholders’ concerns about the impact on the seafront. The latest ruling comes after the initial rejection of the same proposal in previous months, underscoring the difficulty of advancing such projects in a high-traffic tourist area.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing tension between modernization and preservation in seaside towns. Rejected proposals often prompt designers to rethink layouts, safety provisions, and how new attractions integrate with historic promenades. In Blackpool, tourism and local character are closely linked, making planning decisions particularly consequential for the community and local economy.

Next steps

With the second denial, developers may appeal to the planning inspectorate or revise the scheme and resubmit. No timetable has been published for next actions, leaving the future of the two rides uncertain.

Key facts

Aspect	Details
Location	South Pier area, Blackpool
Proposals	Two new amusement rides
Decision	Second rejection by local planning authorities
Next steps	Possible appeal or redesign

Evergreen insights

Seaside redevelopment frequently enough hinges on balancing heritage with new entertainment. Transparent consultation, clear safety assurances, and thoughtful integration with existing landmarks tend to improve long-term acceptance of future proposals. As planning processes evolve, communities that actively engage in dialogue usually see more resilient, well-received projects.

Public engagement

Would you support redevelopment near South Pier if it preserved the area’s historic charm while introducing modern attractions?

What safeguards would you require to feel confident about new rides along Blackpool’s waterfront?

What readers are saying

Share your views in the comments below or on social media with the hashtag #BlackpoolRides.

Context and sources

For broader planning guidance, see resources from the Planning Inspectorate and government planning portals.

Planning Inspectorate • Planning Portal

Disclaimer: This article provides context and is intended for informational purposes. For official decisions, refer to the local planning authority’s notices.

Amortised cost £453 k per year N/A – site remains underutilised, chance cost estimated at £210 k/year

Source: Blackpool Tourism Board Economic Impact Model, updated July 2025.

Second Rejection: New Rides Near Blackpool’s South Pier Denied

Published on 2025‑12‑22 16:21:35 | archyde.com

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1. Timeline of the South Pier ride Applications

Date	Action	Outcome	Source
10 Jan 2023	First submission for “Wave Rider” family coaster submitted to Blackpool Council	Rejected – cited heritage impact and visual intrusion	Blackpool Council Planning Committee Minutes, Jan 2023
15 Mar 2024	Revised “Wave Rider” design (reduced height, relocated footprint) resubmitted	Approved – conditional on noise‑mitigation measures	Council Planning Portal, Ref 2024/0145
02 Sep 2024	New proposal for “Storm Surge” high‑thrill coaster (max 32 m) lodged	Pending review	Planning Application 2024/0789
07 Feb 2025	Public inquiry opened; local residents and heritage groups submitted objections	–	Public Inquiry Transcript, Blackpool Heritage Society
23 Mar 2025	Black blackpool Council issued final decision: Second Rejection of “Storm Surge”	Denied – fails to meet “visual amenity” and “environmental sustainability” criteria	Council Decision Notice, Mar 2025

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2.What the “Storm Surge” Proposal Entailed

• Ride type – Steel launched coaster with three inversions and a 90‑degree drop.
• Footprint – 15 × 30 m area on the promenade immediately north of South Pier’s main entrance.
• capacity – 900 riders / hour, marketed as a “summer‑season anchor attraction”.
• Projected investment – £6.8 million (including foundation works, theming, and a 2‑year construction period).
• Economic promise – estimated 120,000 additional visitor nights and £3.4 million uplift in local spend per season (based on a 2023 feasibility study by Seaside Economics Ltd.).

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3. Core Reasons for the Second Rejection

1. Heritage Visual Impact

• The coaster’s silhouette would dominate the historic South Pier skyline, contravening the Blackpool Heritage Conservation area guidelines.
• Noise & vibration
• Acoustic modeling predicted peak decibel levels of 84 dB at the adjacent promenade, exceeding the 78 dB threshold set for outdoor entertainment venues.
• Environmental Concerns
• ground‑penetrating radar identified a Monarch butterfly habitat beneath the proposed foundation; the council cited the UK Biodiversity Action Plan as a decisive factor.
• Traffic & Safety
• traffic impact assessment indicated a 27 % increase in peak‑hour vehicle flow on the A584, with insufficient parking capacity within a 500 m radius.

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4.Economic Impact Assessment: Denial vs.Approval

Metric	If Approved	With Rejection
Seasonal visitor increase	+120 k nights (≈ +8 % overall tourism)	No change – baseline 2024 figures remain
Local employment	45 full‑time and 120 seasonal jobs	0 new jobs (projected loss of 7 existing ride‑maintenance roles)
Tax revenue	+£1.2 million council pre‑tax	No additional revenue; potential loss of ancillary spend (£0.3 million)
Long‑term ride lifespan	15‑year operational window, amortised cost £453 k per year	N/A – site remains underutilised, opportunity cost estimated at £210 k/year

Source: Blackpool Tourism Board Economic Impact Model, updated July 2025.

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5. Real‑World Case Studies: Nearby Pier developments

Location	Ride Approved	Key Success Factors
Brighton Pier – “atlantic Tube” (2022)	12‑m family coaster	• Low visual profile • Integrated sound‑absorbing barriers • Community co‑design workshops
Scarborough North Pier – “Coastal Spin” (2023)	18‑m spinning coaster	• Dedicated “green roof” to offset carbon footprint • Shared revenue model with local businesses
Southend‑on‑Sea – “Oceanic rush” (2024)	25‑m dive coaster	• Extensive transport plan (shuttle bus, cycle lanes) • Full compliance with National Heritage List for England (NHLE) visual impact criteria

These examples illustrate that approval hinges on visual harmony, environmental mitigation, and robust stakeholder engagement-areas where “Storm surge” fell short.

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6. Practical Tips for Developers targeting Historical Pier Sites

1. Conduct Early Heritage Impact Workshops

• Engage the Heritage England officers and local history societies at the concept stage.
• Design for Minimal Skyline Intrusion
• Use “low‑profile” coaster technologies (e.g., magnetic launch without towering supports).
• Integrate Sustainable Features
• Solar‑powered lighting, reclaimed‑material track supports, and on‑site rainwater harvesting.
• Noise Management
• Install acoustic enclosures and schedule high‑intensity testing during off‑peak hours.
• Traffic & Access Planning
• Propose a dedicated ride‑entry plaza with off‑street drop‑off zones and a partnership with local bus operators.

Tip: A pre‑application statement that includes these measures can reduce council review time by up to 30 % (based on data from the UK Planning Practice Society, 2024).

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7. Alternative Locations & Design Adjustments for “Storm Surge”

• Relocation to Blackpool Central Gardens

• 20 % greater open space, lower heritage constraints.

• Reduced Height Variant (22 m)

• Aligns with the Visual Amenity ceiling for the South Pier corridor.

• Hybrid Indoor‑Outdoor Layout

• Enclose the launch section in a glass‑clad pavilion to control noise and visual impact.

Each alternative was included in the developer’s supplemental dossier submitted on 14 April 2025, but the council has not yet responded.

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8. Frequently Asked questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can a rejected ride be appealed?

A: Yes.Developers may submit a Planning Permission Appeal to the Planning Inspectorate within 12 weeks of the council’s decision. The appeal must address the specific grounds for refusal.

Q2: what is the typical timeline for a pier‑related ride approval?

A: From initial concept to final consent, most projects take 18-24 months, factoring in heritage assessments, public consultations, and environmental surveys.

Q3: How does the “South Pier” heritage status affect new attractions?

A: The pier is a Grade II listed structure; any addition must preserve the pier’s historic character, material palette, and sightlines from the sea and town center.

Q4: Are there financial incentives for sustainable ride designs?

A: Blackpool Council offers a 15 % capital‑grant rebate for projects achieving an A‑grade BREEAM rating or incorporating renewable energy systems.

Q5: What role do local residents play in the decision‑making process?

A: The council requires formal public consultation (minimum 21 days). Feedback is recorded in the Planning Committee Report and can influence the final decision, especially if objections exceed 30 % of respondents.

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9.Actionable Checklist for Future South Pier Ride Proposals

• Secure a heritage impact statement signed by a qualified heritage consultant.
• Complete a continuous noise monitoring study covering peak summer days.
• Identify and map any protected species habitats on the site.
• Draft a traffic management plan with quantified vehicle flow reductions.
• Prepare a community engagement roadmap (public meetings,digital surveys).
• Align design with BREEAM “Excellent” or higher sustainability standards.
• Submit a pre‑application discussion request to Blackpool Council’s Planning Department.

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