It's the end of an era as a former café looks set to be pulled down on Weymouth's historic but battered Pleasure Pier.

The Echo reported last month how Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's harbour board was informed that the building will be demolished to prepare for 'urgent' works to strengthen the pier which has been damaged by storms.

An application for prior approval has now been lodged for the method of proposed demolition and restoration of the site.

It is hoped to start demolition work at the beginning of February and a new kiosk built on the pier.

Demolition and other costs have been put at £35,000, money which will be taken from the pier’s reserves account.

In its heyday, the Pleasure Pier – which was built by the Great Western Railway more than 80 years ago to serve the then ferry terminal – was a venue for dances, swimming competitions and brass bands.

The elevated café became a tourist hotspot but it closed a few years ago and is in a poor condition.

The pier remains a point of interest for its views of the bay and as a fishing platform, but has fallen into a dilapidated state and storm damage has added to problems.

In the application, Sarah Cairns, assistant head of assets and infrastructure at the Dorset Councils Partnership says: "The building is in poor condition and repeated attempts to lease this has proved unsuccessful in recent years due to this. Its removal would also allow urgent pier repairs to take place."

The proposal involves the demolition of the building on the pier using a mechanical excavator to dismantle the 'bulky elements' of the building, while doors and windows will be hand stripped.

Cllr Richard Kosior, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council’s Briefholder for Tourism and Culture and Harbour, said: “The current redundant buildings on this pier are in a poor state of repair and would be difficult to adapt to provide a modern and accessible facility. While the buildings stand, they also carry a business rate charge which provides an ongoing cost to the council.

“We hope that following demolition and maintenance work, we can look to provide a more modern offer that could be a good business opportunity and income generator for the harbour.

“The demolition of these redundant buildings will allow for easier and therefore more economical routine maintenance work to the buildings and structure of the Pleasure Pier.”