To:-
(a) agree the strategy set out in this report and for Officers to explore external funding options to complete phase 2 of the Leading Lighthouses and Causeway project;
(b) allocate up to £7,000 from the existing Seafronts Maintenance contract payment budget code, to fund the initial Expression of Interest stage application to support this work and authorise the Assistant Director for Sport, Culture and Leisure to engage a heritage consultant to prepare funding bids towards conservation of the Leading Lighthouses; and
(c) request the Assistant Director for Sport, Culture and Leisure to prepare a report for consideration by Cabinet on the options available to the Council for conservation of the Leading Lighthouses and Causeway, once a funding package has been secured.

Significant progress has been made on the Dovercourt Leading Lighthouses and Causeway project, including completion of structural and condition surveys in 2023-2024, which confirm urgent conservation is required within the next 3-5 years to prevent further deterioration. These iconic 19th century structures are listed as ‘Heritage at Risk’ and identified as a priority in the Council’s Heritage Strategy and Highlight Priorities for 2025/26.
The next phase focuses on securing external funding and delivering a collaborative conservation programme to safeguard these landmarks and enhance community engagement. Immediate action is required to maintain momentum and meet funding timelines, ensuring long term preservation of these nationally significant heritage assets.
To enable decisions to be taken on the longer-term aspirations towards preservation of the Dovercourt Leading Lighthouse and Causeway heritage assets, agreement to the strategy will enable momentum to continue. The recommendations will further enable the exploration of external funding options and for applications to be submitted to work towards completion of phase 2 of the Leading Lights and Causeway project and present options back to Cabinet for consideration.

1). The key alternative would be to not consider recondition works, which would result in the risk of the structures deteriorating further and potential collapse.
2). The Council could consider funding phase 2 entirely from its own resources, but due to the overall cost of this work, it would be exceptionally challenging for this to be achieved.