North Somerset Council (NSC) has approved planning permission for the development of new visitor facilities at the Grade I-listed Clevedon Pier.

Clevedon Pier and Heritage Trust's (CPHT) scheme - designed by Bristol-based O'Leary Goss Architects - was given the go-ahead by NSC's north area committee. Under the trust's plans for the historic pier, a new visitor centre would house purpose-built education, exhibition and refreshment areas in a bid to enhance the experience.

It is hoped that the additional facilities will raise sufficient income to enable CPHT to cover all long-term maintenance costs at the pier, which is currently supported by NSC. CPHT chair Simon Talbot-Ponsonby said: "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."

Part of the cost of the scheme is to be met by Freemantle Developments, which is involved with plans to transform the former Royal Pier Hotel into apartments. Image: O'Leary Goss Architects