A CORRUGATED tin shed café could be replaced with flood-resistant Scandinavian-style eco-friendly venue.

Eight extra jobs are promised by the development which could be a boost to Brightlingsea if approved.

The popular Batemans Tower Café on Promenade Way was launched by Robert Parlett in 1976.

Daughter Lisa Brown grew up around the café, helping out as a teenager and eventually taking it over.

Lisa, now 54, says it is time the cafe got a major revamp.

She said: “It needs to be done. We have been there 40 years.

“It’s been a long time in the family.

“It will really boost Brightlingsea.”

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Now - what the cafe looks like

Brightlingsea architect Stuart Hancock has drawn up the proposals.

His report says: “There is little space for the staff to perform their work safely, the building is crumbling and ready for a renewal in line with the vision of business growth by Lisa and the potential to employ more people.”

The existing seafront site is also at risk of flooding and has suffered at least three major wash-outs.

The proposed two-storey building would feature a system of floats, so if the tide is high, the building would rise with the water and avoid flooding.

Its style combines a Scandinavian wood appearance with eco-friendly features and a look of beach huts.

Lisa hopes the café will become a social hub with al fresco dining, a shop and separate ice cream parlour along with a restaurant and bar upstairs.

It employs eight people part-time, but the new café would create an additional eight full-time jobs.

The report added: “It is certainly an ambitious project. Designed and planned well, it has the potential to deliver under tight constraints.

“This opportunity for improving a great town asset has never been better timed.”

Brightlingsea Town Council has already recommended approval of the scheme and Tendring Council will rule on the application.

District and town councillor Graham Steady said: “The town council is all for it. It would be fantastic and give a real lift to the whole area.”

If the plans are approved, it is expected that construction will be done over the winter months.