Burnham-on-Sea pier allowed to keep conservatory – for now

The owners of Burnham-on-Sea pier are currently being allowed to keep a newly-built conservatory.

Louise Parkin, manager of the landmark’s pavilion, told Burnham-on-Sea.com that she is “very pleased” with the news that Sedgemoor District Council is halting its legal proceedings regarding the structure to carry out further investigations.

The decision was made after Ms Parkin put together a petition and contacted the local authority’s chief executive. Ms Parkin said: “I have had lots of people sign my petition – over 100 so far – to give their support. The vast majority can see we are just trying to run a business and want to keep the pavilion running.”

In her opinion, the conservatory did not require any planning permission prior to construction due to the type of property it is. The building currently houses a sweet shop and features conservatory blinds to keep sunlight out.

The conservatory at the pavilion was installed to drive the pier forward as a business, but glass extensions are probably more common as a residential feature; adding more indoor space to a property without the construction of thick brick walls.

One Wokingham landlord is hoping that the addition of a conservatory will help him to sell a space that is being turned from a business location to a residence, according to the Henley Standard. He too has had to face down legal problems due to a complaint by a neighbour.

Steve Whiston spoke at a council meeting last week and explained that he has been trying to sell the Wargrave High Street property as a commercial venture for more than two years, but the addition of a conservatory for the three-storey property would improve prospects of a sale as a residential space.