Repairs to storm-damaged lighthouse approved

The lighthouse was damaged during Storm Babet in 2023

Plans to repair a lighthouse which had its dome ripped off in a storm have been approved.

South Pier Lighthouse and Pier in South Shields has been fenced off for months after it was damaged during Storm Babet last October.

Repairs will include re-roofing the lighthouse and rebuilding lost and damaged sections of the parapet.

According to the decision report, the works will be phased and are "anticipated" to be carried out between the summer and October.

Repair plans for the Grade II-listed structure were brought forward by the Port of Tyne Authority.

Council planners said the "majority of the works/repairs would be on a like-for-like basis which are considered to be acceptable and appropriate".

It was also noted the current gates would remain closed during the works.

The site has been fenced off for months

Searches for lost "large stone parapet blocks" and "copper elements of the roof dome" took place in the storm's aftermath, but were unsuccessful due to weather conditions and poor visibility, according to planning documents.

However, some elements of the lighthouse were recovered and it was confirmed the lighthouse roof would be rebuilt to "match the original iron frame and copper dome which was lost at sea", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The "iconic red and white paint scheme" and brass weathervane would be reinstated, with construction details of the domes of Tynemouth Lighthouse and South Shields’ Souter Lighthouse used to help with the reconstruction.