How long ‘life-saving’ coastwatch trailer could stay in Filey

​The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) wants permission for its coastal mobile trailer to be located on Filey’s Royal Parade for another two years.

​The NCI’s Tango 3 mobile lookout unit on Royal Parade, Filey provides a daylight watchkeeping service seven days a week, 365 days a year.

​Originally installed in 2022, North Yorkshire Council approved a two-year extension for the temporary structure in 2024.

​The unit provides a “vital life-saving function along the Yorkshire coast and forms part of the national network of NCI watch stations,” according to submitted plans, and is positioned on Royal Parade, overlooking Filey Bay, which provides an elevated, unobstructed vantage point essential for visual watchkeeping.

​In recent years, the station has expanded from two to 20 trained volunteer watchkeepers and has initiated 12 incidents, including one formally recorded by the RNLI as “lives saved at sea”.

​The unit is equipped with a radio antenna, wind turbine, and solar panels for power generation and is fitted with VHF radio, AIS ship-identification systems, weather monitoring equipment, and optics for visual surveillance.

​North Yorkshire Council has previously confirmed that the NCI trailer “strengthens and complements local search and rescue services and does not negatively impact the area’s character”.

(Image: NQ)

​However, the authority has also indicated that the long-term retention of a temporary structure would not be supported, and that a permanent building of improved visual quality would eventually be required.

​NCI acknowledges the temporary nature of the proposal and highlighted its long-term intention to secure a “permanent, higher-quality facility”.

​The station has provided continuous daylight watchkeeping and emergency coordination as part of an operational role that contributes to the “living maritime heritage of Filey”.

​North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the application, which is open to representations.