Blackpool Prom bar has been operating without planning permission

A seafront Blackpool bar is seeking planning permission from the council after it emerged it has been operating without any formal approval having been granted for the venture.
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The Terrace Bar alongside Central Pier in the resort started life nearly four years ago as a portable bar surrounded by gazebos, which was set up to support a classic car show.

As it grew in popularity a more permanent bar and decking was installed with the venue attracting al fresco drinkers.

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But when the Blackpool Pier Company contacted the council’s planning department in January this year regarding a separate application for South Pier, it discovered no permission was in place for the Terrace Bar.

The bar needs town hall planning permissionThe bar needs town hall planning permission
The bar needs town hall planning permission

Now a retrospective application has been submitted seeking to remedy the oversight and secure approval for the bar which sits on the Promenade immediately to the north of the pier owned by the Sedgwick family.

A heritage statement submitted to the council says the bar complements the Victorian pier which opened in 1868.

It says: “The bar has been designed to be of a contemporary design to sit within the existing character of the pier as a centre for modern entertainment.

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“Aesthetically, the bar will complement the modern façade of the pier, which is dominant, the Victorian style design of the pier only becoming apparent as the pier is traversed out to sea.

“Historic, evidential and communal value will not be unduly affected, as these will be maintained.”

The planning application is seeking to retain the Terrace Bar including the decking area which serves as an outdoor seating area and live music venue.

It has proved popular since lockdown restrictions were first lifted with customers only allowed to be served outdoors until May 17.

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The application will go before town hall planners at a future date for consideration.

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