THE Penarth Pavilion project received a ‘major boost’ last week after it was granted planning permission - a decision said to greatly increase its chances of securing vital Heritage Lottery funding.

The Penarth Arts and Crafts Limited (PACL) project, which wil transform the historic pier into a modern arts, leisure and community complex, was unanimously approved by the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s planning committee.

The £3.9 million scheme, operating under the slogan ‘Let’s make it happen!’, is now bidding for £1.75 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and PACL leader Maggie Knight said the committee’s decision would significantly help their cause.

“It’s another notch on our belt and another positive step forward,” she said.

“And one which will make it easier for us to progress further forward.

“It’s a very important step in the process.“ As previously reported in the Penarth Times, the PACL intend to restore the 1929 built Grade II listed building to its former glory and make it a diverse cultural attraction offering a range of activities including educational programmes, film showings, festivals, and exhibitions, house information about the natural and social history of the area and the pavilion itself, which was a centre of town activity seventy years ago, and feature child-care provision, a restaurant and cafe.

It is said the ambitious scheme could attract thousands more visitors to the seaside town and provide a much-needed boost to the economy.

PACL board member Cllr Maureen Kelly Owen said she the decision represented another key milestone.

“I’m thrilled that planning permission has been given and that we finally seem to be on our way.”

The committe also granted listed building consent for the development, which means the concrete roof of the pavilion can be clad in copper.

Copper shingles will clad the roof of the four towers and new copper roofing is also proposed for the shops on the wings of the building, fronting the Esplanade.

Fellow PACL board member, Robert LLoyd Griffiths said the future looked bright for the pavilion project.

“It’s a major step in the right direction and it bodes well for the future,” said Mr Griffiths, who is also the director of the Institute of Directors for Wales.

“We are ever hopeful and have a good feeling about the steady progress being made.”

The aim is to re-open the pavilion in 2013.