New Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre to be built near Souter Lighthouse after plans approved

Green light for new coastal conservation centre near South Tyneside's iconic Souter Lighthouse v.1
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Plans for a new coastal conservation centre near South Tyneside’s iconic Souter Lighthouse have been given the green light.

Last year, the National Trust submitted proposals for a new development beside the Grade II listed lighthouse – the world’s first to be designed and built to use electricity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The conservation hub would be based at the Whitburn Coastal Park, near the existing lighthouse car park.

Artist impressions of how the proposed Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre near Souter Lighthouse could look. Pictures: National Trust/MawsonKerr.Artist impressions of how the proposed Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre near Souter Lighthouse could look. Pictures: National Trust/MawsonKerr.
Artist impressions of how the proposed Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre near Souter Lighthouse could look. Pictures: National Trust/MawsonKerr.

In action, it would provide a base for coastal wildlife groups while providing opportunities for visitors to “explore, discover and record the natural heritage of the coast.”

Features will include an interactive coastal activity zone, bird observation area, multi-use learning space and an accessible public toilet/ changing room for users of the coastal park.

It will also allow the expansion of outdoor events and activities at the Souter Lighthouse and The Leas – with ranger and volunteer events ranging from rock pooling and nature walks to running groups.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Following consultation, South Tyneside Council’s planning authority approved plans for the ‘Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre’ on Wednesday, June 17.

Artist impressions of how the proposed Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre near Souter Lighthouse could look. Pictures: National Trust/MawsonKerr.Artist impressions of how the proposed Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre near Souter Lighthouse could look. Pictures: National Trust/MawsonKerr.
Artist impressions of how the proposed Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre near Souter Lighthouse could look. Pictures: National Trust/MawsonKerr.

Although the building is planned in a sensitive area, council planners said the scheme met the ‘very special circumstances’ needed to override any harm to the Green Belt.

Reasons provided by the applicant included the cultural and social benefits of the new centre, eco-friendly design features, boosting the local tourism industry and the inability to incorporate the facility at the Souter Lighthouse due to space constraints.

Project bosses hope to use the building’s cladding as a learning resource to explore issues around ocean pollution and single use plastics.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Designs from Newcastle-based MawsonKerr Architects include eco-friendly features from thermally efficient glazing to tiles created from 80% recycled plastics.

Souter LighthouseSouter Lighthouse
Souter Lighthouse

When the works are completed, the building will be owned and managed by the National Trust while also playing a key part in delivering the aims of the Seascape Partnership.

The scheme, supported by the National Lottery’s Heritage Fund, unites dozens of organisations including the National Trust, South Tyneside Council, Durham Heritage Coast and Natural England.

The project aims to connect people with the coast between the Tyne and Tees rivers through dozens of projects with a focus on heritage, wildlife and improvements to access.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A council decision report goes on to say: “Application details state that the proposed coastal conservation centre would create a local gateway tothe coast, which would showcase the area’s cultural and natural heritage.

Artist impressions of how the proposed Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre near Souter Lighthouse could look. Pictures: National Trust/MawsonKerr.Artist impressions of how the proposed Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre near Souter Lighthouse could look. Pictures: National Trust/MawsonKerr.
Artist impressions of how the proposed Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre near Souter Lighthouse could look. Pictures: National Trust/MawsonKerr.

“It would have a strong focus on marine life, and seek to facilitate wildlife conservation, community engagement with the coast, and support learning activities about the significance of this coastal location.”

Key activities will also include bird ringing, a scientific method of gathering data on bird populations.

Under planning conditions work must be brought forward within the next three years.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

Artist impressions of how the proposed Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre near Souter Lighthouse could look. Pictures: National Trust/MawsonKerr.Artist impressions of how the proposed Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre near Souter Lighthouse could look. Pictures: National Trust/MawsonKerr.
Artist impressions of how the proposed Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre near Souter Lighthouse could look. Pictures: National Trust/MawsonKerr.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.