B&B plans for lighthouse approved

2:00pm Thursday 6th September 2007

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A grade II-listed lighthouse commanding a cliff-top position facing the English Channel is to be turned into a bed and breakfast.

The Belle Tout lighthouse at Beachy Head, near Eastbourne, was put up for sale this year with a guide price of £850,000 after being sold by Eastbourne Borough Council for £900 in 2001.

The same authority has now approved plans to turn the 175-year-old landmark from a residential property into a bed and breakfast, subject to conditions.

The Belle Tout Lighthouse Preservation Fund was successful in its application to change its use despite council officers recommending refusal amid concerns about lack of parking space and vehicle access.

Trustee and chairman of the fund Rob Wassell said a big fund-raising push would now get under way to raise the £850,000 to purchase the building.

He said: "We are absolutely elated to get approval. There were two hurdles confronting us; one was the planning committee and the second was getting the money in place.

"We can now see light at the end of the tunnel. We are now hoping to raise as much money as possible to turn it into a B&B.

"Donations have come in to us from across the UK but we are hoping to progress with more."

In his statement to the council, Mr Wassell said no major works would take place on the grounds, which falls within an area of outstanding natural beauty on the downland slopes of Beachy Head.

And no changes would be made to either the exterior or interior of the building, which previously provided bed and breakfast accommodation to guests.

Built in 1832, the Belle Tout was decommissioned 70 years later. Eight years ago it was in danger of succumbing to coastal erosion and was moved around 60ft inland.

The lighthouse featured in the 1986 television drama series The Life And Loves Of A She Devil and also in BBC's Changing Rooms. Since its sale by the council in 2001 it has been transformed into a six-bedroom residential property by owner Louise Roberts.

Earlier this year, the Belle Tout Lighthouse Preservation Trust was formed to raise enough money to buy it and open it up to the general public.

An Eastbourne Borough Council spokesman said: "The plan has been approved subject to a new access route being made available for vehicles."