A FORMER pub in the Borders is set to become a hot food takeaway after plans were given the green light.

An application to convert the Queen’s Head Inn in Selkirk, which closed in 2007, was submitted to the council back in July last year.

And the takeaway plans for the ex-pub, located on the corner of The Valley and West Port, were backed this week.

In his report, Scottish Borders Council planning officer Brett Taylor said: “A takeaway in this location would contribute to the town centre and as it would attract people to the area which may result in an increase to footfall.

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“It is envisaged that the proposed development would contribute positively to footfall in this location and its contribution is likely to be in peaks and troughs throughout the day. Town centres are under increasing pressure to maintain existing levels of footfall and this has not been helped by the current climate or COVID19.

“It is hoped that the proposed development would provide another service which would appeal to the public and encourage them to visit the town centre.

“Although the public house would be lost, the use has already ceased and there has not been any interest in the premises. In any case, there are other public houses in the town.”