Trampoline and pay booth at Pier Pavilion, North Parade, Southwold

The site and surroundings

The site is beside the Pier Pavilion within the Southwold Conservation Area, Heritage Coast and Suffolk and Essex Coast and Heaths National Landscape.

“The application site is located in the extended Southwold Conservation Area, and the Pier Pavilion is identified in the appraisal document as an unlisted building that makes a positive contribution to that area. The pier is located in the 'Seafront Character Area' and the Pavilion and Pier buildings are a critical part of the seaside character of this part of the town.”

“Southwold Pier was built in 1899 by the Coast Development Company and the Pavilion is an early 20th Century Art Deco, two-storey building with single storey projecting side wings.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

A 2009 permission for major pavilion redevelopment lapsed, while a 2025 permission allowed decking, a carousel and paybooth.

“Planning permission was granted in 2009 (DC/09/0940/FUL) for the: "Demolition of the existing pavilion building, reduction in height of the existing bar area, erection of new 5- storey structure comprising amusement arcade, hotel lobby, cafe/Kitchen and Bar on the Ground Floor with 30 Bedrooms on upper floors.”

“Planning permission was further granted in 2025 (DC/24/3798/FUL) for the: "Reconfiguration of parking to front of building, construction of new infill section of decking and installation of carousel and paybooth.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Southwold Town Council objected over the unit’s size, design, security, pedestrian accessibility, safety and access for emergency and service vehicles.

“Consultee Date consulted Date reply received Southwold Town Council 18 February 2026 4 March 2026 Following the original approved application for the Carousel, the Town Council has the following comments regarding DC/26/0842/ful:”

“The siting/size of the proposed paybooth along with the bungee unit, will close off access around this part of the prom for the trade waste vans, emergency service vehicles, coastguards, paramedics etc, as well as reducing the available pedestrian width of the promenade in this location.”

Officer report

What was said at committee

Southwold Town Council focused on possible health and safety hazards from moving bungees in a busy area used by families, children and older people.

Members’ discussion

Members accepted that operational health and safety would be managed outside planning and considered conditions sufficient to address the concerns.

“The Chair clarified that the health and safety and operation of the unit would be managed with the operator outside of planning. There were no questions from the Committee. Councillor Ashdown said he had no problem in recommending approval , there were conditions in place that would deal with the health and safety concerns raised by Southwold Town Council. Councillor Pitchers seconded the motion, seeing no planning reasons to refuse.”

“The Chair commented that Southwold Town Council were right to raise their concerns as it wasn’t always clear which part of the Council they should go to. Councillor Gee added that as landowners they could engage at a later date to ensure the concerns from Southwold Town Council were addressed.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions requiring commencement within three years and compliance with approved plans.

“That the application be approved subject to conditions. Conditions: The development hereby permitted shall be begun within a period of three years beginning with the date of this permission.”

Minutes