A NEW cocktail and tapas bar which will add to the “vitality and viability” of Kelso town centre has been granted planning approval.
Scottish Borders Council has given the go-ahead for the new outlet at 13 Bridge Street.
The premises has had a varied past.
It was formerly a licensed pub known as Cloisters and later became Pharlanne, a licensed bistro.
Thereafter the property functioned as a retail premises known as Tweedside Tackle and latterly as an antiques sales room.
In his report approving the application, Euan Calvert, SBC assistant planning officer, states: “The principle of change of use from retail to a licensed premises can be accepted and it is not considered the change would cause a detrimental impact on the locality.
“There have been no objections received from the public or neighbours and it is considered that the proposal would make a positive contribution to the vitality and viability of the town centre.”
Kelso Community Council also raised no objections to the application.
In a submission with the application, applicant Kevin Potter, owner of the adjacent Ednam House Hotel, stated: “The premises currently has retail permission, we are looking to open a cocktail and tapas bar on the premises, no building work is required as it was previously kitted out with planning permission a few years ago
“The premises had previously been licensed and had permission to serve food, there has been no building work carried out as the layout and toilets, kitchen area etc were exactly as we needed them to be, this work was carried out a few years ago under previous permission.”
