Plans submitted for replica Iron Age house in Rising Sun Country Park
North Tyneside Council has submitted plans for a replica Celtic hut in Rising Sun Country Park.
Council officers have proposed the erection of a new Celtic roundhouse, using "traditional methods of construction" following the removal of a formerly dilapidated and now demolished replica ancient hut. The revamped roundhouse will however not be thatched as the heather required has not been deemed sustainable.
It is believed Iron Age Celts lived in such circular houses, constructed with straw and mud, with a fire pit in the centre. According to the Prehistoric Society, roundhouses are characteristic of late British pre-history and were largely absent in ancient mainland Europe, with exceptions in North-West France and modern day Spain and Portugal.
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The proposed roundhouse would form part of the existing Celtic village play area within the park. According to the local authority's planning documents, the proposal would support the visitor attraction.
The document adds: "The proposal would be in keeping with the existing character of the site and is located close to existing buildings. It is also surrounded by trees which would provide screening."
The council's online planning portal states the plans were submitted on January 28, and a decision has yet to be made.
The potential roundhouse could soon be a neighbour to the Rising Sun Farm. The local authority has been seeking an operator for the farm since March 2023 following the insolvency of the previous leaseholder.
In December last year, North Tyneside Council stated it was hopeful a new organisation could be found in "early" 2025. The local authority estimates a rental income from the farm of £90,000 for the first year of the contract.