He signed off the plans on Friday, describing them as ‘elegant and well-proportioned’ and a perfect fit for the unique surroundings of St Ouen’s Bay.

The minister took the decision out of the hands of the planning applications panel after previous plans were rejected and changed.

The café, shop and manager’s flat will be knocked down and rebuilt, and a public toilet and shower added.

Access to the beach from the Five Mile Road café will also be improved – but original plans to add two self-catering units have been deleted from the scheme.