An observation tower erected near the St David’s Lighthouse could be torn down owing to its deteriorating state.

A planning application called for the demolition of the structure, which is located to the southeast of the lighthouse at 1 Mount Road.

A condition assessment in 2024 found that the three-storey concrete structure was in poor condition, with numerous cracks in the concrete and exposed and corroded reinforcing seen on a few locations.

The assessment said: “The prevision inspection in 2018 recommended repair of the concrete and replacement or repair of reinforcing steel.

“However, further significant corrosion has occurred in the intervening years.

“Continued deterioration of the structure will create a safety hazard for anyone accessing the structure or the public in the vicinity of the tower.”

Photographs attached to the assessment highlighted significant cracks, broken concrete and corroded reinforcing steel in the structure

Documents included in the application said that the tower was one of 13 base end stations erected on lands leased to the United States in 1942. Only three remain standing.

The planning documents said: “Should this structure be demolished, this would leave Gibbs Hill and Daniel’s Head as the only remaining base end stations on island, which are also in poor repair.

“However, it is acknowledged that the structure is in very poor condition and currently is an eyesore at a high-traffic tourism area.

“As the other base end stations have disappeared without clear record, it would be incredibly valuable to have this observation tower surveyed and photographed prior to its demolition.

“While the demolition of the tower would be a loss for local military history, its removal would not devalue the historic and architectural value of the St David’s Lighthouse, which maintains independent high-heritage value.”