A popular seaside restaurant in Canvey Island has been granted permission to almost double its size.

Jimmy Macs, on the Eastern Esplanade, can now expand the external seating onto the grassed area between the existing building and the sea wall with new paving.

An external timber storage area on the side will be taken down to make room for more seating and allow for an extension for new toilet facilities.

This then enables the kitchen to be moved internally, and a new bar to be set up with a south facing opening onto the outside seating area.

The council heard how the success of an event at Jimmy Macs during this year’s August bank holiday was indicative of how the area was helping make Canvey Island a key tourism destination.

Planning committee member Councillor Charles Mumford said: “I am fully supportive of this proposal. I think it is very encouraging to see a local business coming up with these ideas.

“This area is one that is increasingly becoming popular.

“I went down there on the bank holiday Monday. There was a band playing, the cliff top was absolutely packed with families. It was a great atmosphere.

“And this can only do Canvey Island and Castle Point proud in its endeavour to become a focal point for tourism.”

Officers said the proposal would allow the expansion of an existing seafront business which is a “benefit for the local economy”. No harm has been identified in respect of design, drainage, parking or local amenity.

Owner Derek Gray, who has a 15 year lease with Castle Point, said: “The area itself over the last two years with Covid has proven very successful – for day trippers and the community it has been a focal point and I think everyone as far as I am aware have really quite enjoyed the area.

“So putting this in will only enhance the area by the sea front which is becoming, with all the volunteer work and the input that most people are doing, an asset to the borough.

“It has been a fantastic time for most people down there. They have really enjoyed it and it has really brought back the community and the community spirit.

“It has loads of benefits – number one it creates more jobs and on a business level I think a lot of businesses have benefitted from what is already going on at Jimmy Macs including probably the council car park.”