Major update in bid to add new rides to South Pier sites

Friday, 19 December 2025 16:03

By Richard Hunt

The latest proposals for two rides to operate either side of Blackpool’s South Pier have been refused again.

In November Blackpool Pier company lodged an application for a Certificate of Proposed Lawfulness (CLOPED) for the siting of two rides – a Log Flume and a Starflyer – on either side of South Pier Headland area.

The company argued that the rides would be beneficial attractions for Blackpool.

The Log Flume comes in multiple formats, but essentially has a footprint of 42m by 18m and a height of 12 metres, with a total track length of some 220 m interwoven within the ‘mini lake’ setting.

The Starflyer, which would have been sited on the south side of the Pier, is a 77m high ride.

The applicants contended that a CLOPED was appropriate as the two structures did not constitute ‘development’ and therefore did not need planning permission.

But the planning officer said both the rides were substantial structures which would require planning permission, and the application for a CLOPED was refused.

In September, an application for actual planning permission was refused as it was in conflict with aspects of the council’s planning policy. A previous application was also refused in 2018 after temporary permission had been allowed.

The latest report stated: “Going by submissions made with the planning application, it is understood that whilst there would be no bolting or suchlike to the ground, the structures would include elements of considerable weight to prevent them from being moved by the wind and as such they would have a physical attachment to the ground.

“It is plain that once built, it would not be possible to move them without dismantling them.

“In summary, the proposed structures would be operational development and, therefore, their siting would require planning permission. No express planning permission for their siting exists.

“Consequently, the siting of the two structures would not be lawful and a certificate should not be granted.”