Planning appeal rejected for new rides at Blackpool's South Pier

The Planning Inspectorate has dismissed an appeal by Blackpool Pier Company seeking permission to install two new rides at South Pier in Blackpool.

The decision follows a public inquiry held in July, where the Pier Company contested Blackpool Council's refusal of two applications for the rides.

The initial rejection occurred in September 2025 for a Log Flume and Starflyer on the South Pier Headland, citing planning permission needs.

In November, a second application for a Certificate of Proposed Lawfulness (CLOPED) was also refused by the council, as they did not consider the rides exempt from planning requirements.

Blackpool Pier Company claimed the rides would enhance tourism and generate funds for pier repairs, pointing to the council's approval of a similar scheme, Christmas by the Sea, near North Pier.

Blackpool Council maintained the two proposals were not comparable due to differing development nature and site.

Inspector Paul Freer evaluated both applications separately.

For the CLOPED appeal, he identified the rides as structures requiring planning permission based on their size and permanence.

He affirmed the council's decision to reject the certificate application, citing statutory need for permission.

For the planning permission appeal, Freer found the combined impact of the rides would outweigh any benefits.

He concluded the proposal conflicted with the development plan and did not justify an exception.

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