It has been an iconic landmark on the Suffolk coast for more than 200 years. But the lights could be about to go out for the last time at Orfordness lighthouse after it has emerged that it has been recommended for closure.

The historic landmark has been under threat from a fast eroding coastline in recent years, and now the latest five-year review by Trinity House, which manages lighthouses around England, Wales and the Channel Islands, has said it may no longer be needed.

It plans to discontinue all navigational aids at Orfordness, instead increasing the range of the Southwold lighthouse - which itself earned a reprieve from a possible decommission last year - from 16 to 24 nautical miles.

As navigational technology continues to advance the reliance on the traditional system of lighthouses around the coast has diminished.

The lighthouse could still prove a vital navigation tool in the event of failing electronic or satellite positioning systems and objection to the proposed switch-off is already being sounded by members of The Alde and Ore Association, which exists to preserve the Alde, Ore and Butley Creek rivers and their banks.

Public consultation into the future of Orfordness lighthouse continues until January 29. Responses should be sent to Navigation Directorate, Trinity House, Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4DH or email navigation.directorate@thls.org