The bay's current facilities date from the 1960s

The island's planning authorities are considering improvements for beachgoers at Bouley Bay.

There are plans to knock down the existing public toilets to make way for new toilets, showers, a cafe and balcony stretching out over the sea.

Developers are promising the plans will not spoil the bay's natural beauty, and conservationists say bay users should benefit.

Changing facilities

Alan Queree, the architect for the project, is describing the plans as "very small improvements" which are in keeping with the natural environment at the north coast beauty spot.

The area is popular with divers and snorkellers, who will be catered for with new shower and changing facilities which will replace an old toilet block which dates from the 1960s.

The development, which will also include a cafe with balcony, has been designed so it cannot be seen by people coming down the hill.

Conservationist Sue Daly says Jersey's divers should benefit from the new plans.

She said: "There are no facilities for them at all from what is naturally there.

"It's very difficult for them to wash all their equipment and that is not good when you think how many facilities there are for people who play football, or rugby, or motocross, or any of the other sports we have on the island.

"We're trying to provide these facilities, but very much without spoiling the natural beauty of the bay."