June 27, 2018 1.11 pm This story is over 68 months old

Sky Pier extension plans set to be approved

Bigger than first planned

A planned business on Skegness sea front could gain an extra floor following an East Lindsey District Council planning committee meeting next week.

The application has been submitted by Neil Dowlman Architecture on behalf of applicant Taj Bola, for the site of the former Fat Louis, which was burnt down in a fire more than 10 years ago.

It will see plans for the Sky Pier, which were approved by ELDC in 2010, varied so the structure, which is already partially built, goes from a four-storey to a five-storey building.

Recommending approval, a report to councillors says: “The site forms an important role in the development of the seafront of Skegness and is an important site in terms of regeneration of the town.

“The proposed building is large and will be a dominant feature in the street scene but on balance, it is considered that due to the proposed external materials of glass and cladding which will help to reduce its visual dominance, the building will not appear adversely out of character with the street where there is already a variety of building styles and sizes reflecting the history and development of the town.”

The original plans included a bar and food hall, a club, an ice skating rink and roller disco. However, the new application instead lists bar, food court, function room, tea room, observation deck and museum.

The plans will put the building four metres higher than neighbour Lucky Strike, which was also built following the fire.

The owners have objected, saying the structure would not be ‘in keeping with the street scene or sea front of Skegness’.

However, officers have disagreed, adding the build will complement the business.

Skegness Town Council have also raised concerns over the loss of light to Compass Gardensand the outdoor swimming pool, but again officers have disputed this by saying the width of Grand Parade and location of each amenity would negate the effect.