Plan for coastal wildlife viewing station approved

Plans to turn a “semi-derelict” seaside shelter into a coastal wildlife viewing station have been approved.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) wishes to turn the 1990s structure on Marine Drive in Scarborough into a free visitor attraction, with North Yorkshire Council giving the go-ahead on Thursday.

The station will house telescopes to help people spot porpoise, bottlenose dolphin, minke whale and other sea life, alongside information panels and artwork.

Rachael Bice, YWT chief executive officer, said the hub would be “a wonderful way for people to enjoy a coastal view and look out for Yorkshire’s marine wildlife”.

The project also aimed to strengthen local communities’ understanding of the effects of climate change and promote nature conservation, YWT said.

Ms Bice said providing “inspiring ways” for people to experience and connect with nature was “a sure-fire way to build better protection and care”.

Jeremy Deller, who won the Turner Prize in 2004, has been commissioned to create artwork for the project.

The inclusion of a decorative mosaic floor installation would showcase wildlife in the seas and reference Scarborough’s Roman past, the Local Democracy Service reported.

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