PLANS to transform Spurn Lighthouse into a heritage centre have moved a step closer.
Proposals to turn the Victorian building at Spurn Point – which was decommissioned almost 30 years ago – into a visitor attraction have been approved by East Riding Council's planning committee.
The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is waiting to discover whether its bid for £650,000 in Lottery funding will be successful.
The trust secured £68,000 of Lottery cash last year to fund the initial plans.
Three planning applications were submitted, which included making the lighthouse a heritage centre, turning a First World War gun store into toilets and building steps to a gun emplacement, offering views across the Humber.
The lighthouse has been opened on occasions for art events, such as film showings, but now the plan is to allow visitors in there all year round.
The plan includes opening up the lighthouse as an indoor classroom and holding music and film events.
Harry Watkins, Spurn heritage officer, said: "The aim is to create a place point, regardless of the weather.
"It would be a heritage centre and opening the building would also give visitors the chance to see the fantastic views from the top of the lighthouse."
"By carrying out essential restoration work, this change of use will support and enhance an important Victorian example of maritime engineering and help protect the landscape habitats and character of the nature reserve."
The first lighthouse on Spurn is believed to date back to 1427. The present lighthouse, which is structurally sound, was built between 1893 and 1895. The last maintenance work was in about 1982, when the black and white building was repainted.
The lighthouse is located on the point, which is also the base for the Humber RNLI.
The application was supported by East Riding Council planners.
Case officer Karen Abba said: "It is considered that the change of use of the building will also have wider beneficial impacts by the providing improved provision and facilities for community and education groups.
"It will also improve public access to, and enjoyment of, this part of the heritage coast."
Should funding be secured, building work could start early next year and be completed towards the end of the year.
Mr Watkins is asking anyone with an interest in the lighthouse, or whose family members might have been stationed there, to call him on 01964 650313.
