Planning permission for Burnham-on-Crouch's beloved pontoon replacement has been submitted.

The application, validated on Valentine's Day, outlines plans for the construction and installation of a replacement town pontoon.

This includes a replacement floating pontoon, refurbishment and re-installation of access walkway, and associated works.

The proposal outlines that the pontoon will be reinstated on the same footprint as before, but with a design which includes additional safety features including perimeter handrails and strengthened 'hammerhead' pontoon for use by the foot passenger ferry.

Similar to the previous structure, the proposals outline that the pontoon would be constructed from a system of floatation units with timber decking to be visually in keeping with the character of the area. 

However, to ensure the pontoon is more robust in storm conditions, protected floats will be used and additional structure incorporated within the joints between floats.

The replacement followed calls from the community to replace the pontoon after the previous pontoon, located on the Quay in Burnham on Crouch, was damaged "beyond repair" in February 2022 following Storm Eunice.

The end of the T-section came away as winds of up to 90 mph battered the Essex coastline, while the entire length of the pontoon began to lift away.

The news was welcomed by the Burnham-on-Crouch community, as the site was much loved by residents for crabbing, access to the passenger ferry and as a social area.