The complex process of replacing the ageing Lizard Lifeboat Station has begun.

Plans have been submitted by the RNLI to replace the current lifeboat station at Kilcobben Cove on The Lizard, which is almost 50 years old.

Built in 1961, the existing station needs to be replaced to house a new state-of-the-art Tamar class lifeboat. At the same time it will also provide modern facilities for crew training, a proper workshop for the mechanic and better access for members of the public.

The cost of the £6 million project will be met by the many donations made to the charity by the public, including some that have been left in legacies specifically for building projects.

Philip Burgess, coxswain at The Lizard RNLI, said the investment was good news for anyone using the local waters.

He said: “More than 400 ships a day move up and down the Channel and past Lizard Point, then there's the local fishing vessels and pleasure boats that regularly pass by. All rely on the knowledge that the RNLI is there if something goes wrong. This new facility will bring us into the 21st century and ensure we have the best lifeboat, equipment and training to continue saving lives at sea.”

Adam Littlejohn, RNLI shoreworks manager for the south west, said that the new boathouse would serve the area for the next 75 years, but it creation would be a complex process as the current station needed to be knocked down so the new one could be built on the same site.

Much of the work would have to be done from the sea, using a large jack-up barge.

“The construction of any building with its feet in the sea and exposure to the forces of wind and wave is a challenge. Design standards and construction materials used for the boathouse structure and fabric have to be of the highest specification and able to withstand the rigours of the demanding coastal environment,” he added.

The planning application has now been submitted to Kerrier district council for permission to carry out the building work.

An appeal will be launched in the spring to help raise some of the funds needed to purchase the new £2.7 million Tamar class all-weather lifeboat that will ultimately be based in the new boathouse.