AN empty shop in Clacton town centre is set to be turned into a coffee shop, creating eight jobs.

Costa Coffee has been given the green light for its plans for the former Birthdays card shop in Pier Avenue.

Costa Coffee wants to create an eat-in element providing cold food and confectionary.

There is no outside seating as part of the arrangements and no kitchen facilities or extraction equipment are needed. There will be 29 tables inside the premises.

Tendring Council approved the scheme with three conditions, one of which limits the hours of business from 6.30am to 8pm each day.

A spokesman added: “The council’s regeneration team fully supported the application as it brings an empty shop in the town’s main shopping area back into use.

“It will also provide at least eight new jobs and bring a popular and recognisable High Street brand name to Clacton, which we believe will ultimately increase footfall into the town centre.”