Exmouth's new beach bar and restaurant 'won't be a nightclub', developers have confirmed, after fears were raised following their licensing application.

Mickeys Beach Bar & Restaurant, which will be run by celebrity chef Michael Caines, has asked for a premises licence until 2.30am every day.

It had raised some concerns that they were planning to turn it into a nightclub, but developers Grenadier have confirmed that this is not the case.

A spokesman said: "I can confirm that this will not be a nightclub, it will be a restaurant and bar as outlined in past communications.

"Michael and his team are working closely with local authorities, including East Devon District Council, the police force and fire brigade, to ensure they align with any noise limitations."

The licensing application, submitted to East Devon District Council, asks for permission for live music until 11pm, recorded music until 2am, and the supply of alcohol until 11pm outside and 2am inside.

Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant will run alongside Sylvain Peltier and Michael's Café Patisserie Glacerie as part of the Exmouth seafront regeneration project.

The project will incorporate a casual bar complete with resident weekend DJs, first floor destination restaurant with a glasshouse and outdoor terraces, alongside neighbouring Café Patisserie Glacerie which will serve artisan pastries and ice-creams.

The opening hours will change with the seasons. Summer will see Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week across each of the various outlets.

During the cooler months, breakfast will be served on weekends only with lunch and dinner available daily throughout the week.

Mr Caines had previously said: "Mickeys will be a place to celebrate, to unwind, to pop in for a takeaway or stay late into the night, underpinned by warm hospitality and excellent food.

"It is a space for the local community and beyond, above all its place of fun. I'm incredibly excited to be able to share more over the coming months as we approach the opening."

Along with the bar and restaurant, and the new watersports centre, Grenadier is building a new £175,000 ramp to provide visitors with immediate and easy access from the walkway above to the beach.

The ramp, which will be made from a mixture of sustainable FSC-certified timber, concrete, and steel, will be installed in front of the Sideshore development.

Currently there are various stairways from the walkway onto the beach, but the new ramp will enable all visitors to access the beach step-free and provide visitors with limited ability or those carrying sports equipment to access the beach safely and with ease.

At three metres wide and 25 metres in length, the ramp will provide much-needed access to the beach for those who may currently struggle to use the staircases.

Sideshore itself has disability access to ensure as many visitors to the centre as possible can access the new space safely.

Construction work for the new ramp is scheduled to commence on May 4, and is expected to be completed before the end of June 2021. The timing of the construction of the ramp is important as to not disturb migratory birds over-wintering in the local area.

During the works, a small, contained area of the beach and walkway will be separated from the public with access to the beach still permitted via the existing staircases.

The cycle route beside the beach promenade will be redirected around the back of Sideshore, and pedestrians will be provided direct access across the promenade through Sideshore, safely away from construction.

Aiden Johnson-Hugill, Property Director, Grenadier, added: "The new ramp is a great investment for Exmouth as it will provide safe, easy, and step-free access to the beach for visitors."