A new high-quality public convenience for people with complex disabilities is to be built in Walton-on-the-Naze.

The Changing Places facility has received the go-ahead from Tendring council. It will be located next to existing toilets close to Bath House Meadow, where an inclusive children’s play area is currently being built.

Changing Places provide people with profound and multiple learning disabilities with extra facilities to allow them to use toilets comfortably.

They can also be used by people with other conditions such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis or an acquired brain injury.

They are not standard disabled toilets and are only accessible by prior arrangement.

The new Walton facility will cost £64,600 to build, mostly funded by a £62,000 grant from Essex County Council. TDC will pay for the ongoing maintenance out of existing budgets.

Mick Skeels, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism at TDC, said Changing Places facilities were a great asset for the community.

“These amenities offer much-needed support to families with complex physical needs, meaning they can enjoy a day out without having to worry about something as basic as going to the toilet,” he added.

“This location in Walton is ideally situated not only near to the inclusive play area being built, which is fully accessible for children with disabilities, but also near to the beach and the Coronation car park, meaning it can be used by tourists visiting the area.”