PLANS to give an unused public toilet a “new lease of life” as a seafront cafe have been put forward.

Residents were given the chance to submit their ideas to Tendring Council to turn a vacant toilet block in Dovercourt into a business venture last year.

Now a planning application has been submitted proposing the loo, in Marine Parade, be transformed into a cafe.

The plans include internal alterations, new windows, stair access to the roof, removal of rooflights, and installing a portable container for storage.

Heather Burwood, secretary of the Beach Hut Association, said: “I think it is an absolutely brilliant idea.

“It will go down like an absolute bomb with people and I think it will be amazing.”

Tendring Council, which owns the facility, asked Boydens to market the building, along with two others in Clacton and Holland-on-Sea, to find a new use for it.

The idea came after the council agreed to reduce its number of public toilets from 40 to 30 to save £60,000 a year in the first year, and £100,000 a year thereafter.

Paul Howe, of Boydens, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to help lend a new lease of life to this building. There is no doubt that there is a demand for this type of facility – indeed, we have seen investments in the town which point to this being the case.

“In terms of location for a café, this is a brilliant concept, which will breathe new life into this building and surely draw people to the area. “We wish the new business owners every success in their new venture.”

The commercial leases are likely to run for five years, which could be extended by Boydens if needed.

Dave McLeod, Harwich Town councillor, said it will be unique and another draw to the seafront for visitors.

He said: “It’s not mission impossible to do and it will attract more visitors and add another couple of jobs to the town. “I hope it attracts people to the seafront as it is a very attractive and scenic walk along there.”