Pier ladder replacements prompt objections

Concerns have been raised over the replacement of wooden ladders with a steel alternative on a pier in Whitby.

North Yorkshire Council has asked for its retrospective application for the replacement of five ladders on the Grade II listed East Pier at Henrietta Street to be approved at a meeting.

The 29ft 6in (9m) long ladders, which provide pedestrian access to the pier, are made of galvanised steel rather than timber and locals have raised concerns about the visual impact on the site, which was built in the early 18th Century.

Whitby Town Council has objected to the proposal, stating that councillors wanted to see a "like-for-like replacement instead".

It said the replacements would "impact on the character and appearance of the area" and raised concerns "about the choice of materials used".

According to a report prepared for the Scarborough and Whitby planning committee, the previous timber ladders were "replacements for earlier ones, likely replaced numerous times over the centuries as a result of the maritime environment" and they were not considered "original".

Three of the ladders are located on the western side and two are on the eastern side of the pier.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the report added: "They are permanently fixed and installed in the same location with the same measurements as the previous timber ladders […] and are fixed to the existing recesses in the pier wall."

The authority's principal building conservation officer said the plans had not resulted in the loss of "features of architectural interest" and "no harm would result to the overall heritage significance of the East Pier".

A planning officer added that the colour and appearance of the new ladders would dull down relatively quickly and the metal ladders would then "blend more comfortably with the stonework".

The planning committee will meet on 12 June to decide on the application.

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