THERE has been an update on the future of an empty shop on a Borders high street.

Plans were lodged last year to turn the Polish Shop – a former grocery store – on Galashiels' High Street into one two-storey house and a flat.

At Galashiels Community Council last Wednesday (May 5), Rick Kenney said the plans have been re-submitted to Scottish Borders Council (SBC) to “meet modern building standards”.

“It’s been closed for a few years now,” Mr Kenney said.

“In July they submitted a plan to change it to some homes but keep the same design on the building on the outside.

“It’s another empty building that we’re getting back into use.”

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There were no adverse comments submitted by the community council.

When the initial plans were lodged last year, an SBC planning officer said: “I recognise the loss of the retail use, but also note the building has had non-retail uses in the recent past (including a gym).

“I accept the residential use may be a less vibrant contributor to the town centre, and that there are no other ground floor residential uses fronting the High Street.

“However, a residential use will, nonetheless, be a positive contributor, and this shop comprises an unremarkable and modest property located at the end of the town centre, well away from the principal activity area of the town.

“There is also a range of uses in this part of town already, including residential uses on upper floors.

“A residential use on the ground floor would have a negligible effect on the strength of the town centre overall and the character of this end of the town, and would maintain the mixed use nature of this area.”