Fort Victoria Pier plans submitted to Isle of Wight Council

Miles Blamire acting as applicant wants to restore the redundant pier, building a shellfish and fish landing processing facility, shop and restaurant, as part of the Westhill Beach development.

They have applied to the Isle of Wight Council for planning permission.

Marked as a brownfield site, the pier sits next to the Grade II listed Fort Victoria and was formerly used as part of the military operation there.

The current state of the pier near Fort Victoria. Picture by BCM.

The pier, its tramlines and ancillary structures were used to move, store and load marine mines but the site was partially dismantled once the military use stopped.

In the mid-80s, it became part of a small boat-building yard but following the redevelopment of the area into a tourism destination in the late 90s, it has been untouched.

A heritage statement by West Sussex Archaeology, submitted as part of planning documents, says the pier is considered to be of great significance as a surviving example of late 19th century military installation.

The current pier. Picture by BCM.

However, its significance is reduced, they say, due to the partial demolition and its poor condition following considerable erosion.

• You can view the plans HERE. 
• Comments can be submitted until May 16.

The pier will be refurbished, reusing the existing piles, becoming a public access space with the commercial fisheries and 'sea-to-fork eatery'.

The site for housing and the refurbished pier, looking from Fort Victoria. Picture by West Sussex Archaeology.

Agents on behalf of Miles Blamire, BCM, says the Westhill Beach development seeks to invigorate and energise the historic landmark, providing a hub for education, tourism and economic growth.

The designs for the pier, BCM says, will create a 'small landmark folly',  embracing the beauty of the seascape and creating something of equal quality.

The proposed Westhill Beach houses. Picture by Miles Blamire.

As part of Westhill Beach, five four-bed houses are also proposed on land in front of the pier which will, in part, fund the commercial development.

The homes would be constructed on suspended rafts, supported on new piles, creating a 'clean, modern and composed sense of place and identity'.

The Westhill Beach houses looking towards the beach. Picture by Miles Blamire.