Plans for a new £110,000 toilet block on a Sheppey beach are set to move on a stage.

Members of Swale council's cabinet will discuss proposals and tender arrangements for the construction near The Little Oyster at The Leas, Minster, at an extraordinary meeting tomorrow evening.

Originally, five sites were identified but only two were considered in the tendering process.

The first is on a verge opposite the junction with Seaside Avenue, with the second being a short distance away next to the beach path.

The project was advertised to firms with estimates for work ranging from £92,819 to £299,604. All being well, they could be ready in summer.

Cabinet member for environment, Cllr Tim Valentine (Green), said: “The Leas is a popular location for residents and tourists, but the nearest toilet is half a mile away in The Broadway.

“We’ve committed £110,000 to install a brand new toilet block nearer the promenade and hope to have them installed and open to the public this summer dependent upon the current Covid-19 situation.

“Initially we considered five possible locations for the new toilets and have agreed to put two forward for approval by cabinet.

“One location is on the junction of The Leas and Minster Beach Path and the other is on the green between the promenade and Minster Beach Path.

“The new toilets will be a modular block made up of two unisex cubicles and one disabled cubicle.

“The roof will also be covered in a grass sedum roof to help it blend in with the surrounding environment.

“The new Minster Leas toilets are part of our ongoing program to improve public amenities for residents and visitors around the borough.”

"The new toilets will be... made up of two unisex cubicles and one disabled cubicle."

A document due to be presented at the meeting said toilet doors would face the sea, so no building could overlook.

In a further note officers said the project would be paid for with £80,000 from capital receipts – income from sold assets – and £30,000 from the council's reserves pot.

Maintenance of the block is likely to cost either £2,000 or £3,500 each year, depending on what option is chosen.

Costs for opening and closing the facility, as well as cleaning, are expected to amount to £4,700 a year based on a prediction of it being open between 7am and 7pm all year around.

Officers also warned of the prospect of vandalism.

Read more: All the latest news from Sheppey

Head to our politics page for expert analysis and all the latest news from your politicians and councils