Blackpool log flume dispute rolls on

A row over the location of a seafront ride in Blackpool is set to rumble on after councillors agreed to delay a decision until next month.
The log flume on South Pier before it was movedThe log flume on South Pier before it was moved
The log flume on South Pier before it was moved

A row over the location of a seafront ride in Blackpool is set to rumble on after councillors agreed to delay a decision until next month.

The Blackpool Pier Company is seeking permission to keep its log flume ride on land to the north of South Pier.

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Town hall planning officers had recommended the application be refused by councillors, who were due to consider the submission this week.

But Blackpool Council's planning committee deferred hearing the application at the request of the applicant, whose agent was unable to attend the meeting.

It is now due before the committee on Tuesday September 18.

Coun Lynn Williams, chairman of the planning committee, said: "The applicant asked for a deferment as their agent was unable to attend, and we felt bound by fairness to agree to their request.

"However the application will be dealt with at our next meeting."

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Temporary permission had been previously granted to relocate the log flume from the pier for 18 months while restoration work was carried out.

But town hall planners say the longer term presence of the ride on the Promenade is contrary to policies aimed at protecting the seafront from unsuitable development.

A report to the committee says: "The work has not been undertaken and another ride has been erected in place of the log flume ride at the western end of the pier."

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has also objected to the application, saying the ride in its current location could undermine its own operation and possibly affect jobs.

The log flume is the only one in Blackpool after the one at the Pleasure Beach was removed in 2006, although there are other water-based rides at the Pleasure Beach.