PLANS to transform a former Borders post office into a hot and cold food takeaway have been given the green light.

The change of use request for the Earlston High Street site was first filed with the local authority back in June.

The plans will see the retention of the current Lucky Finds gift shop and also involve a separate dog food and treat store.

And last week the bid received the blessing of the council’s planning chiefs.

In her report approving the proposals, lead planning officer Julie Hayward said: “The ground floor is currently divided into a retail sales area at the front of the property and retail storage to the rear. The proposal is to convert the front sales area into a hot and cold take away.

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“The storage space to the rear (former Smiddy) would be converted into a shop with sales and storage areas.

“Externally, the shop front would remain unaltered.”

She added: “The supporting statement advises that the takeaway will serve hot and cold food, including rolls/sandwiches, soup, baked potatoes, pasta, chilli. There will be no seating and the outlet will only operate as a takeaway.

“The takeaway will also continue to have gift items for sale in the front section of the unit.

“The rear retail unit will stock dog food, treats and toys. This will be accessed by the side door, in the lane.”