Plans to double pier arcade size set for approval

Plans to almost double the size of a pier's amusement arcade are being recommended for approval, despite concerns over the scale of the development.

The owners of the Wellington Pier in Great Yarmouth submitted proposals last year to expand the site on to derelict land which was once used for an outdoor roller skating rink.

Historic England objected, warning the new-look building would be "large and utilitarian", while failing to preserve the local conservation area.

But it has welcomed the revised proposals and a report by Great Yarmouth Borough Council advises councillors to give planning permission.

The heritage organisation said it still had concerns about the size of the building and that any harm it might cause should be weighed against the public benefits.

The council's conservation officer also voiced opposition to the original plans, but has since worked with the pier's owners - Family Amusements Ltd - on a compromise.

The pier owners have agreed to limit the height of the extension to 7.5m (24ft), rather than 9.2m (30ft) - and the footprint of the building would not be as large.

The report for councillors said the changes to the amusement arcade would bring a number of positives including employment and "bringing back an underused site in the conservation area into use".

It said that its verdict was "finely balanced" but said harms to local heritage were outweighed by longer-term social and economic benefits to jobs and tourism.

A decision is due to be made on the plans on Thursday.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.