“ECSTATIC” owners of a former village pub have vowed to push ahead with their ambitious plans for the premises.

New life will be breathed into the former No 5 Duke Street and West Barns Inn as it is turned into a cafe, gallery and artists’ studios.

Robyn Wade and Chris Sleigh were given the go-ahead by East Lothian Council’s planning department to make the changes.

Robyn, who was an art teacher at Holyrood High School in Edinburgh, said they were “ecstatic” about the news.

She said: “We are very, very happy and it just means we can push forward a lot faster now.

“We can get things ordered and get planning for the workshops.

“We have got quite a lot of work to do at the property.”

Thirteen artists’ studio and workshop spaces will be created, along with an associated gallery towards the front of the building.

At the rear, there will be a cafe, run by Sophie Sleigh, Chris’s sister, and retail area alongside a children’s play area.

Robyn told the Courier that they had a date in mind for opening the premises and it was hoped that the first visitors would come through the doors in the “autumn”.

The council’s planning department noted that half a dozen people had got in touch welcoming the proposals for the building.

Comments included that the cafe and play area would provide for families in the village, as well as it being a “positive impact and [being] of great benefit to the community in West Barns and surrounding areas”.

That was echoed by West Barns Community Council, which was “fully in support” of the proposals.

The planning officer’s report noted: “They had expressed concern about the future of the building following the closure of the pub in the heart of the conservation village.

“They feel that the facilities proposed will be provided for all ages [and] will be a great asset to the village.”

Robyn, who lives in East Linton, was thankful for the support from members of the public.

She said: “It’s lovely.

“Even people that walk past the property stop and say hello and how excited they are.

“Even online, people have been getting in touch.

“Sophie is going to be running the cafe and people are getting in touch about coffee mornings for vulnerable groups.

“People with mobility issues are really excited about somewhere on their doorstep and people looking to have more opportunities, creative opportunities, for young people and adults.

“So many people through social media, dropping in, or email, it has been very positive and we have been trying to keep that in the back of our minds waiting on planning permission.”