Consultation has been taking place at Shotley amongst investors, local people and stakeholders in respect of revised plans for the pier buildings. Following the refusal of the original planning application, the Board has been considering how to proceed. Consultation has now begun regarding the style of roof, with four options for investors to vote on. Comments from non-investors are welcome too, the Board will review all input in January for discussion with planners.
Two similarly sized buildings at the shore end of the pier would be built on a platform on either side of the pier, one to house the visitor centre and the other a workshop. The original planned buildings and footprint of the new design are shown on this website, with four options regarding the roof design being available to investors to vote on. Chairman John Davitt said: “ since September, we have been looking at how we can compromise, and asking our investors and neighbours for their input. We look forward to seeing which roof design appeals most to our investors”
The Board of Directors agreed three important principles at the outset:
Keep the Pier Clear for walking on. Group activities such as drawing and painting, photography or other leisure activity such as angling, need to take place on a platform because the pier is not wide enough for groups of people to take up room with stationary activities. We will not build on the pier, only alongside it.
Step-free access to welcome people with mobility problems and parents with pushchairs. Selecting a design with a very gentle slope ensures access for all.
Free entry to the pier so that anyone can stroll along it without paying an entry fee.
The main areas of compromise have been to reduce the height and width of the buildings, reduce the length of the Visitor Centre by reducing the number of tables and chairs and removing office space.
Comments on the four roof style options are welcomed, as well as the possible layout on the new draft plan. Email shotleypier@gmail.com if you wish to share your opinion
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