The lookout is getting crowded

As members are aware, the present watchroom at Prawle Point is not satisfactory and requires extensive refurbishing to correct leaking windows, a cracked lead roof, damaged woodwork and improve ventilation. This situation is not surprising: the last rebuild was in 1960.

The acquisition of modern electronic equipment coupled with the increased workload and requirements of Health and Safety make it advisable to have two watchkeepers and occasionally a trainee occupying a very cramped operational area, a far from ideal environment on a hot, humid summer day. (They do occur!)

Jonathan Ansell, our station manager has written to and had a site meeting with a representative of the National Trust, the landlords, to explain these problems and outline possible solutions.

Artist's Impression by Alan Shearer

These include an extension with sloping double glazed windows so that our operational area to the West and Salcombe Bar is increased, improved ventilation and making good the current defects. The building's interesting polygonal shape would be retained, as would the appearance from the landward side.

The National Trust was in sympathy with these proposals and kindly agreed that a planning application should be submitted to the appropriate authority.

We now have planning permission, and a wonderful design so all we have to do is raise the money.