A new-look Cosy Nook has been described as ’a major statement’ for Port Erin.

Nick Watterson, a member of the village commissioners, said: ’I love it.’

But he also acknowledged others might have different ideas after plans were unveiled to knock down the popular seaside cafe and replace it with a purpose-built, glass-fronted cafe and restaurant.

The board released a mock-up image of the new multi-storey eatery, which sparked a mixed reaction online, with many critical of the proposal.

Port Erin Commissioners commissioned Ellis Brown Architects to develop plans to regenerate the site, which has remained closed to visitors since the previous tenant left in May last year.

Mr Watterson said: ’We knew that we really had to rebuild. If you’re going to invest money you want to make sure that you can get the adequate numbers in to make it a viable proposition for someone to take on the lease.’

Mr Watterson, a former chairman of the local board, added: ’I don’t think there was any possibility or realistic view that we were putting a building there the same as it was [before]. What would be the point?

’You would be missing the opportunity of looking out to sea, windows, views and all the rest of it. And making sure you have a more modern, cleaner, accessible facility.’

Mr Watterson said it would be funded by a capital investment, ’monies loaned over a period of maybe 40 years.

’Obviously we have a ballpark figure, it might be £600,000, it might be £700,000 or £500,000.

’As it stands at the moment the interest that we would be paying on any loan is in our budget anyway.

’So if we went for funding next year, if planning is approved, the ratepayers would notice no increase in rates.’

Mr Watterson said the rates were: ’There for facilities for the future.

’I think we are making a major statement about Port Erin, it is here for the long term. Whether you like the building or not is always going to be a subjective point of view. The fact is I like it.’

He admitted not all the commissioners were of the same view.

The proposed building would serve as a daytime beach-side venue that could be opened in the evening as a restaurant.

It would be open year-round.

The first floor would have a function room and terrace. The terrace would also continue on to the second floor.

Visitors would be able to enjoy the views from inside and outside the cafe.