PEEBLES residents will soon be able to enjoy cheese and wine at a new shop in the town.

Scottish Borders Council planning chiefs backed the proposals for 53 Northgate by Milne and Pickles Ltd this week.

Just under half of the floor space at the unit will be given over to seating to allow customers to consume food and drink at the site, according to a report by the local authority.

Planning officer Ranald Dods said the shop “would not be detrimental to the character, vitality, viability and mixed use nature of the street” and would be “appropriate in the town centre”.

He added: “As the applicant intends to serve wine within the unit, a licence would have to be obtained but that is a matter which is outwith the realms of planning.

“The application also proposes painting the shopfront. The colour indicated is dark blue which is acceptable for the conservation area.”