Blackpool Council decision upheld to reject South Pier ride plans

The Planning Inspectorate has upheld Blackpool Council’s decision to reject planning permission for two major fairground rides proposed for the South Pier. The rejected scheme by Blackpool Pier Company included a 77-metre Starflyer and an 11.75-metre log flume.

Planning inspector Paul Freer concluded that the scale and height of the attractions would cause unacceptably visual and heritage harm. Specifically, the Starflyer would have been 12 metres taller than the Big One, potentially disrupting the resort boundary and dominating the seafront skyline. The inspector noted the rides would impinge on the ability to appreciate the pier’s engineering and damage the open character of the promenade.

Blackpool Pier Company argued that the revenue from these rides was essential to fund necessary repairs and maintenance for the historic piers. While the company noted an inconsistency in how the council approved a nearby Upside Down House attraction, the inspector maintained that the broad approach to balancing development with heritage protection remained consistent.