PLANS for a drive-thru coffee shop close to a major supermarket in Kelso have been submitted to Scottish Borders Council.

The proposed facility on a vacant site in Station Road will in effect replace the former Sainsbury’s cafe, which recently closed its doors.

The site is adjacent to a number of commercial, industrial and retail uses to the east, south and west, including vehicles sales and repairs, equestrian and agricultural outlets and a large Sainsbury’s foodstore with petrol station.

The aim is to provide a coffee shop that is proximate and within easy walking and cycling distance of local residents, as well as other visitors to this part of Kelso.

The building has been specifically designed to be energy efficient and to meet and exceed the current building regulations, and the proposals include for native planting in landscaped areas across the site, and the selected species mix will seek to maximise and enhance biodiversity.

To further support sustainability, the proposals incorporate six electric vehicle charging spaces.

A support statement, from Glasgow-based North Planning and Development, on behalf of the applicant, East Lothian-based Mungo Park Ltd & CW Properties, says: “The introduction of a coffee shop use here will not only be compatible with the various existing commercial, industrial and retail uses that are close to the site but it will also protect the potential for future development on the remainder of the site.

“It will serve to support the delivery of a 20-minute-neighbourhood by contributing towards the provision of a range services in a concentrated area which are within walking and cycling distance of each other, and also of Kelso residents, thereby reducing the need for residents and visitors to travel to more distant locations by non-sustainable means.

“The proposed coffee shop will also replace the coffee shop that was formerly in place at the nearby Sainsbury’s, but which was recently closed.”