Lighthouse work now under way
RENOVATION work to turn Belle Tout in to a bed-and-breakfast is under way but the lighthouse will not be open this summer and the owner is in a long-standing dispute with the council.
Earlier this year owner David Shaw, who purchased the Grade II listed building in April 2008, said he expected to open the bed and breakfast in the summer but has now admitted he was being 'a little ambitious' and the lighthouse is more likely to open in September.
Work to the inside is almost complete but there have been difficulties with work to the outside and Mr Shaw has been in long-standing discussions with the council over an easement.
This is needed for Mr Shaw to build an access road through the council's land.
Mr Shaw says he spoke to the previous owner, Mark Roberts, who told him the council had said an access road must be built before the building could be opened to the public and Mr Shaw says he saw paperwork agreeing an easement of 15,000.
However, after purchasing the lighthouse the council told him the easement would cost 85,000.
After months of negotiations it has been reduced to 40,000 but Mr Shaw is fighting for it to be reduced further.
He said, "I am frustrated and I think it is ironic really because this access road is a requirement laid down by the council.
"Not only is it costing me to build the road but I now have to pay this easement too.
"I believed, before I bought the property, that it would cost 15,000 and I do not think that was an unreasonable assumption.
"Surely the council is not suggesting this figure was a special rate for Mark Roberts?"
"Property and land value has decreased since the 15,000 figure was agreed with Mark Roberts so one could argue the cost should have gone down.
"I really do feel Belle Tout is an asset to the area and tourism in general, but the council don't seem to accept that.
"I am not asking the council for any money, I just want its co-operation in restoring what I believe is a valuable building."
An Eastbourne Borough Council spokesperson said, "Mr Shaw has requested that the council provides rights over an area of land at Belle Tout, comprising approximately 850 square metres, which will dissect the council's land holding.
"The council is under a statutory duty to achieve 'best consideration' for its all of its assets.
"For Mr Shaw the right would provide his property with a documented secure access as opposed to the temporary access that currently exists and it is considered that the new access right will substantially increase the value of the Belle Tout, whilst the value of the council's holding will decrease.
"As regards any earlier offers the council may have made to other parties, like all property transactions, these are without prejudice and subject to contract.
"For one reason or another, the parties chose not enter into an agreement at that time and the terms and conditions are certainly of no relevance now.
"Mr Shaw has been advised that he should have taken professional advice on this matter prior to purchasing the property, especially as a secure access is a fundamental element in the value of any property."
Mr Shaw budgeted 250,000 for the project but says he has already overspent considerably.
Despite the difficulties, he is dedicated to restoring the lighthouse to its former glory and has described it as an exciting project.
The renovation is being filmed by a television production company for a new series of Build a New Life in the Country.
The one-hour program on Belle Tout Lighthouse is expected to be aired on Five in late autumn.
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 21 C
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