A BEACHSIDE cafe and shop have been given the go-ahead for major expansion plans over the coming months.

The new leaseholders of Avon Beach Cafe and shop in Mudeford, received planning permission for three separate schemes last week.

Taken over by the Hayward family last year, brothers Steve and Peter, and their father, also Peter, have already made a number of changes to the traditional seaside business in a bid to modernise the resort.

As well as operating a timber hut for takeaway drinks and food, permission for timber decking adjacent to the hut was approved alongside a new patio area with screening in front the toilet block and a kiosk within the gift shop and change of use to allow the sale of hot food off the premises.

Plans for a new kitchen extension were also given the go-ahead. Much of the timber decking had already been built at the site, prompting three objections over access to the toilets.

Peter Hayward snr, spoke to members of the planning committee saying customers were “more than pleased” with the progress so far.

“The increased popularity has put great pressure on inadequate kitchen facilities”, he added.

“At the moment there are two portacabins which we use for storage and preparation.

“This (scheme) would provide a walk-in refrigeration and freezer room.

“What we’re proposing would make Gordon Ramsey very jealous.

“I apologise for jumping the gun but my only intention was to provide more seating for the general public before the season started.”

The family plan to provide a takeaway menu – All Things Fish – from a kiosk within the shop.

He added: “The Hayward family are enjoying the enormous challenge of running the resort which has lacked investment over the last decade.

“These proposals will bring things up to date.”