Much of the planning inspector’s report seemed odd, but the most odd of all was his assertion that the existing decking is “attractive” and should be retained.
We wondered where he stood when looking at the 1950’s concrete panels when he decided the decking was attractive, do you think this wreckage is attractive ? Pictured is the decking and temporary boarding where the concrete panels are too dangerous to walk on.
It’s not even the original decking, its mainly concrete panels dating from the 1950’s. Quite a few are boarded to make it slightly safer!
Just for the record, we intend to replace all the concrete decking, partly because it is broken and ugly, partly because it is too heavy for the pilings, which were designed to carry the weight of timber planking !
To be fair the plannning inspector did mention the ” the existing fencing at the front of the site is unsightly” so he must have some critical faculties intact. He didn’t seem to realise, however, that the unsightly fencing is only there until we renovate the pier. Its purpose at the moment is to keep people off the dangerous decaying pier. The unsightly fence will have to stay there a bit longer due to this planning decision.
The concrete slabs are very unsightly and out of keeping with the wooden structure. I hope it is possible to remove the concrete and use timber for the deck.