NINE jobs could be created at Milford Docks if planning permission for a drive-through coffee shop are approved.

The Port of Milford Haven wants to build a Costa Coffee store near the entrance to the marina.

It has also applied for a loan from the Welsh Government to get the first stage of its £70million 'masterplan' off the ground.

Neil Jenkins, destination director at the Port, said: “The Port of Milford Haven has applied for the maximum loan amount from the Welsh Government town centre loan fund for the redevelopment of the derelict Quay Stores building, a listed building opposite the entrance to Milford Marina.

"If the application is approved, detailed planning permission would be sought from Pembrokeshire County Council, along with listed building consent."

Subject to consent, he said work would hopefully start on site in 2017.

He also welcomed Costa's "vote of confidence in Milford Haven", which he said proved the town's "ability to attract high quality investment from national companies”.

County councillors will be asked to endorse the Port's application for funding at a Cabinet meeting on Monday, September 12.

Council officers say the work will help connect the town centre with the marina.

If approved, the money in question would come from a £10million funding pot, designed to reduce the number of vacant, underutilised and redundant sites and premises in town centres.

It also aims to support the 'diversification of town centres' by encouraging more sustainable uses for empty premises, such as residential and leisure.

The Port intends to re-brand the docks area as Milford Waterfront - a mix of retail and leisure facilities that it believes will draw in visitors from across the UK.

The plans, which could see hundreds of new jobs created, were given outline planning permission in 2015.