A proposal to convert a disused bank into offices and a cafe in the centre of North Berwick has been approved by planners despite concerns raised by some residents.

The site had been the subject of a number of previous proposals to convert the property into a home, but the new proposal outlined the intention to create two downstairs offices and an upstairs cafe.

East Lothian Courier: 12 Westgate

Applicants Mr and Mrs Nigel Sharp own the property and had made a final bid to turn it into a home last September, but this was once again turned down.

The former Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) branch on Westgate has been the subject of numerous planning proposals in recent years with the hope of converting it into a home, but these have all been rejected by East Lothian Council due to planners' reluctance to lose a town centre commercial unit.

However, the new plans have addressed this by providing commercial space alongside an upstairs cafe looking out to the Forth.

East Lothian Courier: How the view may look from the upstairs cafe

Members of the town's community council – who had previously objected to previous planning applications at the property – decided not to lodge any objection for the newest application having not received any objections from members of the public.

But, latterly, some residents did contact the community council about their concerns which led to the group asking the council for an extension to the time period for comments to be submitted. But this was rejected.

The new plans detail an upstairs cafe with a surrounding wall that would allow patrons to look out generally towards the Forth but not see into the neighbouring properties and their gardens.

Planners had mentioned in previous home proposals that the upstairs location would overlook neighbouring gardens, resulting in “an unnecessary loss of residential amenity” and privacy.

The new design seeks to address this issue, altering sightlines inside the proposed cafe.

Additionally, a brick wall would be extended around the outdoor portion of the property, which, according to the applicants, would mean that the outdoor view area would “not [be] intensely used, with a cafe-goer only temporarily standing at the opening to take in the outlook”.

However, residents attending North Berwick Community Council's February meeting disputed the planning statement.

One claimed that council planners would be "making judgement on incorrect data" as the plan would still be "particularly intrusive when overlooking" to the neighbouring properties.

The resident added: "Our garden is our garden, not the bank's garden."

Some concerns were also raised regarding the size and design of the development site, which would have to be partially demolished and rebuilt in a modern style if the proposal were to go ahead.

The resident added: "Certain criteria has to be demonstrated – it is a very prominent site. It has to be in keeping [with the surrounding area] and can't be incongruous."

In regards to the design, community councillors highlighted that the neighbouring Blenheim House already had a similar extension that was architecturally reminiscent of the proposal, therefore some precedent has been set.

East Lothian Courier: Plans as they would be seen from the front

The community council urged the residents to forward their letters to East Lothian Council for consideration.

However, council planners have now given the proposal the go-ahead by accepting the latest planning application.