THE number of coffee shops on Dunbar High Street has been questioned after a bid for an additional cafe was revealed.

Plans to breathe new life into the former Coast Gallery were unveiled last month.

Members of Dunbar Community Council discussed the proposal, which is currently being considered by East Lothian Council’s planning department.

Graham Adams, vice-chairman of the community council, was among those questioning the need for another cafe and said: “Do we need another cafe? But is it within the community council’s gift to decide what outlets are used for?

“We can comment [whether] is it necessary but it is not within our gift to say what it is used for.”

Already, the town is home to a number of businesses, including more than four on the High Street, which offer people the chance to enjoy a coffee.

Jo Crerar’s proposals outlined that she wanted to transform the business, at the northern end of the town centre street, into “an exciting new cafe”.

Toilet concern

Documents included with the application note: “Until permission is gained, I will be open serving drinks and cold foods to take away.

“Cold food will be prepared on site.

“The ethos of the cafe is to offer healthy, delicious salads, filled bagels, poke salads, smoothies and speciality coffee from roasteries from around the UK and Europe.”

Concerns were also expressed at the meeting about the location of the toilet in the proposed cafe.

Drawings included with the application show the toilet alongside the serving counters.

Jacquie Bell, secretary of the community council, said: “People had mentioned the toilet.

“It is not clear if it is for customer use or staff use.

“The toilet is off the food preparation area.”

Members agreed it was up to the local authority to decide upon the future of the building and whether to approve the plans.

Mr Adams stressed that High Street played an important role in the town and added: “Ultimately, High Street needs to be a place to come to.”