A disused seafront shelter restored to its former glory by volunteers is on course to be reopened this spring.
Bexhill Heritage has previously restored the town’s bandstand, West Station clock, a listed concrete mural and another of the shelters on East Parade.
Now it is working on Shelter number 4 – and once finished, it wants to display photographs of Bexhill “then and now” and heritage plaques to commemorate the reopening.
Yesterday, its plans were given the go ahead by Rother District Council’s planning committee, which unanimously approved the charity’s proposals.
The application, written by the group’s chairman Steve Johnson, says: “The candy twist columns, skirtings and facia boards have been painted in red or green and the walls and ceilings in white to match the town’s flag, other seafront shelters and the Coronation Bandstand.
“Many members of the community have contributed to the renovation through volunteer labour or financial support.”
It says it wants to add red and green translucent film to the top row of windows, so green and red light will be reflected downwards, and to install a removeable gallery of 20 heritage photos in its eastern bay.
The “discreet” plaques would be made of stainless steel to withstand the marine environment, using complementary colours. They would be of the same design and material as plaques attached to the other restored shelter and bandstand.
The shelter has been boarded up for a few years, but inside the charity’s volunteers have been busy on the restoration project.
The works were welcomed by ward councillor Terry Byrne (Ind), who said: “I just want to place on record the fact that I think it is a wonderful achievement by Bexhill Heritage and as a ward councillor I think it is marvellous.”
The charity’s application was only considered by the committee as it relates to council-owned land. No objections had been raised by any group or individual.
For further information see application reference RR/2024/2144/L on the Rother District Council website.
