Brighton Palace Pier has applied for a licence from the Marine Management Organisation to undertake remedial repair work to piles, rails and bracings, as well as the removal of debris beneath the structure.

The application was submitted by David Rochford, director of both Brighton Palace Pier (Assets) Ltd and Brighton Palace Pier (Holdings) Ltd, after surveys revealed “key elements are in need of repair.”

“These key elements include but are not limited to piles, trusses, deck beams, rails and bracing,” states the case summary. “The proposed remedial works comprise of two main packages, i.e. pile repairs (above and below water) and substructure repairs.”

“The client is seeking a five-year long marine licence to ensure regular maintenance similar to that noted above is carried out. The method statements attached to this submission are relevant for the current proposed remedial works, however, if ongoing maintenance on these elements are required in future years the method will likely be the same/similar.”

The licence period will likely cover the pier’s change of ownership, after Brighton Pier Group announced it was looking to sell the heritage attraction last year, with 40 groups already having expressed interest.

Public consultation on the current plans are open until 4 March.