Birnbeck Pier could have new owner

The derelict main building at Birnbeck Island. Picture: Henry Woodsford (Image: Archant)

North Somerset Council will receive a report to authorise the issuing of a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for the grade-II listed pier to the RNLI.

MORE: CPO to be discussed.

This process could take up to 18 months until confirmation is received from the Secretary of State.

The derelict main building at Birnbeck Island. Picture: Henry Woodsford (Image: Archant)

The charity previously spent 131 years operating lifeboats from the pier before it left in 2014 due to safety concerns.

Leader of the council, Don Davies, said: “We are delighted that an organisation as professional as the RNLI has decided to step in and potentially take ownership of Birnbeck Pier.

“We have given the owner many opportunities over the years to undertake the necessary repairs needed to preserve the pier, without success, even starting legal action to CPO the site as a last resort.

“This is a fantastic result following a great deal of work from council officers, Historic England and the RNLI.

“Clearly there is a lot of work to do to restore the pier and re-establish the lifeboat station back to its original home.

“We would like to thank Historic England for their ongoing support in securing a future for Birnbeck Pier and look forward to seeing this historic structure reopened to the public, as well as providing vital lifesaving to North Somerset.”

North Somerset Council issued CNM Estates with a repairs notice in September to improve Birnbeck Pier. Picture: Henry Woodsford (Image: Archant)

The council’s concern about the deterioration of the pier resulted in the serving of a repairs notice to the private owner, CNM Estates, in September.

In late 2019, the RNLI began initial conversations with the council and Historic England on the possibility of the charity moving back to the island, which would include a transfer of ownership.

FEATURE: What are the next steps for Weston’s Birnbeck Pier?

The north jetty at Birnbeck Island. Picture: Henry Woodsford (Image: Archant)

Duncan Macpherson, RNLI principal estate manager, said: “The RNLI are really encouraged by the positive steps being taken by North Somerset Council to initiate a CPO process in order to take ownership of Birnbeck Island.

“The charity has been working alongside North Somerset Council and Historic England on the feasibility of re-establishing a lifeboat station on Birnbeck Island and this is a significant step towards that goal.

“Weston is a very important search and rescue base for the RNLI but is also a very complex area in which to build a lifeboat station.

The derelict main building at Birnbeck Island. Picture: Henry Woodsford (Image: Archant)

“Birnbeck Island offers the best solution for the safe and most effective launch and recovery for the volunteer lifeboat crew at all states of the tide. The move will be a significant investment for the charity and the future of lifesaving in Weston.

“Of course, the pier also has huge historical significance to the community of Weston and, although there are a number of challenges to overcome still, the RNLI are delighted to be part of the journey to bring it back to its former glory.”

Rebecca Barrett, regional director for Historic England in the South West, added: “This is wonderful news. Birnbeck Pier is one of England’s finest Victorian piers, but it has been on our heritage at risk register for more than 20 years.

The derelict main building at Birnbeck Island. Picture: Henry Woodsford (Image: Archant)

“We are delighted that such a promising solution has now come forward. We will continue to work closely with the RNLI, North Somerset Council and other partners to rescue this outstanding and much-loved structure.”