Souter Lighthouse: National Trust plans heat pumps to replace gas heating
Sat 14 Nov 2026 · Written for Visit South Shields from the sources below.
Checked 14 Nov 2026.
The National Trust wants to take Souter Lighthouse, on the coast road between South Shields and Whitburn, off mains gas. It has asked South Tyneside Council for planning permission to fit heat pumps at the Grade II* listed site. (Shields Gazette, 13 Nov 2026: Souter Lighthouse heating plans; checked 14 Nov 2026)
What's planned:
- The lighthouse boiler would be replaced by a ground source heat pump. It would draw heat from boreholes drilled on land just north of the site, piped underground to the lighthouse plant room.
- Two air source heat pumps would heat the holiday cottages on the site and supply their hot water.
- Radiators would be upgraded and the electricity supply increased to cope.
The application describes the current heating as outdated and puts the saving at about 26 tonnes of carbon a year. Its heritage assessment concludes the work would not cause substantial harm to the listed site. (Shields Gazette, 13 Nov 2026: Souter Lighthouse heating plans; checked 14 Nov 2026)
Souter opened in 1871 and was the first lighthouse designed to run on electricity. (Shields Gazette, 13 Nov 2026: Souter Lighthouse heating plans; checked 14 Nov 2026)
What happens next: the council will decide after a public consultation. You can read the plans, or comment, on the council's planning portal by searching for reference 260584. No dates for any work have been published. (Shields Gazette, 13 Nov 2026: Souter Lighthouse heating plans; checked 14 Nov 2026)
Visiting now: nothing changes yet. The lighthouse itself is closed in November and December, but the café is open Friday to Sunday, 11am to 3pm, and The Leas are open as usual. (National Trust: Souter Lighthouse and The Leas; checked 14 Nov 2026) See our Souter Lighthouse guide for parking and prices.
More: Marsden Bay, Free things to do and Whitburn Village Cafe reopening.