Pier saga Owners ‘moving ahead with repair work’
THE owners of Weston-superMare’s dilapidated Birnbeck Pier say they are moving forward with plans to repair the structure – at the same time the council wants to force its sale.
CNM Estates, which purchased the pier in 2012, has appointed specialists to carry out a 3D measured laser survey of the pier.
The survey will provide vital information for engineers to carry out repair works to the structure.
The news comes just weeks after North Somerset Council agreed to move forward with the compulsory purchase of the pier.
But CNM Estates responded by saying it would challenge the order and its legal team would lodge an appeal through the courts.
It also applied to the council for building consent to start vital repairs on the crumbling structure.
It is likely the legal challenge will delay the CPO process which when finalised would see the council transfer ownership of the pier to the RNLI so it can resume operations from there.
As part of the plan, the RNLI will restore the pier, which over the years has fallen into a dangerous condition, and build a new lifeboat station, training facility and other operational buildings required.
CNM Estates has now appointed a team of specialists to carry out laser surveys on previously inaccessible parts of the structure, the results of which will help plan the work needed.
North Somerset Council issued CNM Estates with a notice last September ordering them to carry out vital repairs to the landmark.
But authority leaders said no action was taken, prompting them to issue the compulsory purchase order.
A spokesman for CNM Estates said: “CNM Estates is pressing on with measures required for vital repair works which will preserve an important community asset in the immediacy and start the process of bringing Birnbeck Pier back to life.”
CNM Estates says it has now pulled together a team of specialists including contractors, to draw up a programme of works for the pier.
And they said they would be happy to collaborate with the RNLI on its plans to move operations back to the island.
A spokesperson for CNM Estates comments: “We have written to RNLI Trustees setting out our position.
“In the meantime, we are pushing forward and are awaiting approval for our repair works application, which will secure crucial repairs, including bracing the legs of the pier.
“Any delay in approving this application will push back the start of works into winter and may result in further representation by CNM to the appeal process regarding the CPO.”
North Somerset Council leader Councillor Don Davies said: “This work is only a small part of one of 25 points that need to be completed as part of the repairs notice that was went out September 2019.
“The listed building consent has not been agreed as the council is still waiting for additional information from CNM that is necessary to be awarded this consent.
“The work undertaken by CNM is in no way significant or impressive considering the pier has been in their ownership for a decade.
“We will continue with the compulsory purchase order process with the ultimate goal of getting the RNLI back onto the island so they can continue with their vital lifesaving work.”
CNM Estates is pressing on with measures required for vital repair works which will ... start the process of bringing Birnbeck Pier back to life CNM Estates