Plans to erect a bandstand that will provide “a fitting and lasting memorial” to honour Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II have been approved. 

The Victorian-style bandstand, planned to be on the Piazza in The Waits, St Ives, aim to commemorate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee which took place last June. 

PJT Associates, on behalf of applicant St Ives Town Council, say the plans will “provide a fitting and lasting memorial to commemorate HM The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. 

“And [it will] provide a permanent public open structure for the use of the people of St Ives.” 

The bandstand, aimed to be a permanent structure, will consist of high silicon cast aluminium alloy columns, painted black with gold motif. 

In a report by case officer Kevin Simpson, of Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC), the bandstand “is decorative and typical of development of this nature with intricate detailing. 

The Hunts Post: An impression of what part of the Platinum Jubilee bandstand in St Ives would look like.An impression of what part of the Platinum Jubilee bandstand in St Ives would look like. (Image: PJT Associates)

“Officers consider that the proposed bandstand design will not harm the appearance of the St Ives Conservation Area.” 

Some of the beams are due to be replaced with scenes from St Ives’ history, with plans to make one of these beams into a plaque to recognise the Queen’s 70 years on the throne. 

PJT Associates believe the “location and scale of the bandstand within the Piazza does not detract from the open feel of The Waits.” 

In his report, Mr Simpson said the bandstand “may result in the area appearing more 'attractive' to passers-by.” 

And St Ives Town Council would also like to use the facility for small-scale concerts. 

No objections were raised by HDC against staging small concerts, subject to certain conditions set by the council’s environmental health team to help “minimise any impact on nearby residents”. 

The conditions include playing live and recorded amplified music between 9am-11pm, amplified voice to be heard between 9am-11pm, and using the bandstand for events that use amplification for 26 days per calendar year at most. 

“Given its location within the town centre which has venues trading late, it is not considered [the] development will result in a significant increase in visitors for purposes other than intended,” the report added. 

“The development is considered to be a positive and attractive addition to the location.”