Storm-damaged lighthouse repair plans revealed

The lighthouse's dome was ripped off during Storm Babet

Plans have been submitted to repair a Grade II-listed lighthouse and pier damaged by a storm.

The century-old South Pier Lighthouse and Pier in South Shields was hit by Storm Babet in October, which saw its dome ripped off by strong winds.

The site remains closed to the public, with a security fence and warning sign noting it is an “unsafe structure” with “missing handrails” and “unprotected edges”.

South Tyneside Council’s planning department has received an application to make key repairs, including re-roofing and refurbishing iron work. A decision will be made at a later date.

In addition, the plans - brought forward by the Port of Tyne Authority - aims to also rebuild “lost and damaged sections of stone parapet wall and iron balustrading to the pier”, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The Grade II-listed lighthouse prior to the damage

Supporting planning documents confirm that construction details of the domes of Tynemouth Lighthouse and South Shields’ Souter Lighthouse will help to "inform the re-construction of South Pier Lighthouse".

It was also confirmed the roof would be reinstated "using like-for-like materials to match the original iron frame and copper dome which was lost at sea".

The heritage impact assessment and design and access statement said the repairs would be "comprehensive and sensitive".

"The current condition of the lighthouse and the northern end of the pier is poor, having a detrimental impact on their historical and architectural values," it added.

"It would also improve the visitor experience to the pier and lighthouse, which is currently characterised by temporary scaffolding."

A decision will be made once a consultation period has finished.

Comments can be submitted via South Tyneside Council’s planning portal website, until 26 June.