A Norfolk lighthouse keeps breaking down and needs new lamps to warn ships of danger.

North Norfolk Council has given Trinity House, the charity and authority responsible for England's lighthouses, planning permission to upgrade lighting at Cromer Lighthouse on Overstrand Road. 

The organisation explained in a planning statement that the current equipment, which was installed in 2003, has become unreliable. Engineers were called out 20 times to repair it last year.

Current equipment at Cromer Lighthouse has become unreliableCurrent equipment at Cromer Lighthouse has become unreliable (Image: Newsquest) It warned: "The station equipment will not last for a further 20 years and therefore it is likely that failure of the station will occur resulting in casualties."

New LED lights can now be installed in the tower, in the grounds of the Royal Cromer Golf Club, which will be visible from 18 miles out at sea. 

A RACON (radar beacon) will also be removed from a mast and attached to the handrails of the tower, to make it easier to access for repairs. 

The view out to sea across Cromer from the lighthouseThe view out to sea across Cromer from the lighthouse (Image: Antony Kelly) A planning officer's report describes the Grade II listed lighthouse as a "designated heritage asset".

But it adds: "As fundamentally functional buildings, lighthouses inevitably have to be changed and adapted over time as technology develops. This has already been the case at Cromer Lighthouse as the lantern and RACON are modern additions.

"As such, although relocating the RACON to the handrail and the new optics may alter the external appearance of the building, the change will be minor and any localised harm would be far outweighed by the clear public benefits of ensuing the lighthouse continues to operate safely."

An aerial view of the lighthouseAn aerial view of the lighthouse (Image: Mike Page) Built in 1833, the lighthouse replaced an earlier beacon fired by coal and later whale oil, which was one of the first to have a revolving light.

It was converted to electric operation in 1958 and automatic operation in 1989.

Two properties originally built for lighthouse keepers are now used as holiday lets, while another is rented out long-term.