MAJOR planning applications for Clevedon Pier and the neighbouring Royal Pier Hotel have been submitted to North Somerset Council.

The move follows months of work between the Clevedon Pier and Heritage Trust, the hotel owners Freemantle Developments and many community groups.

The development of the derelict Grade II-listed hotel will see it converted into 17 luxury apartments, including four duplex penthouses.

All apartments will have a terrace or balcony giving a view of the sea and pier, as well as dedicated parking incorporated into the building.

On the Grade I-listed pier, visitor facilities will be created at the land end consisting of a modern design set into the approach ramp. It will include toilets and dedicated education, exhibition and refreshment areas.

Members of the pier trust hope the new additions will generate enough extra income to cover the long term maintenance costs of the pier, which are currently paid for by North Somerset Council.

As part of the redevelopment of the hotel, Freemantle Developments has agreed to construct the groundworks on the pier ramp needed for the new facilities.

Pier trust chairman Simon Talbot-Ponsonby said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to add to the facilities at the pier and we are delighted to be working closely with Freemantle Developments.

“Our respective schemes will complement each other and will greatly enhance the Clevedon seafront.

“This is a major project for the trust, for which we will be applying for grants.

“In addition, we will be launching an appeal to the public who love, support and greatly appreciate the pier.”

The designs for both Marine Parade projects, created by O’Leary Goss Architects, have been presented to English Heritage, North Somerset Council planning officers, town councillors and Clevedon Civic Society and have received widespread support.

Freemantle Developments director Nick Warfield said: “We are delighted with the progress that has been made during the design stage.

“We have been encouraged by the general enthusiasm of all parties involved to get this derelict building reinstated to its former glory.

“We have consulted widely over the design and taken on many comments that have been made to ensure our scheme meets the aspirations of those concerned.”

The submission of plans for the Royal Pier Hotel will come as a huge relief for many Clevedon residents, who have had to watch it fall into a state of disrepair since its closure in 2001.

Built in 1823 and originally called The Rock House, the building was redeveloped by architect Hans Price in 1868 and renamed the Rock House and Royal Pier Hotel, which was eventually shortened to its current name.

Hans Price also designed the landward end of the pier, including the toll house, when it was built in 1869.