A NORTH Berwick town centre shop is set to close later this month – and will be turned into a dentist’s if plans are given the go-ahead by East Lothian Council.

The local authority received a planning application for a change of use of the premises at 19 Market Place, off High Street, currently a Semi-Chem.

The application has been put forward by Leonardo Carbiner, who runs Law Road Dental Practice in the town.

Semi-Chem is to close at the end of next month and, if plans are given the go-ahead, the building would then undergo a renovation and re-open as a dental surgery.

Mr Cabiner, who has run the practice since 2009, told the Courier:: "I think it would be a good thing for the town, especially with the growth that is expected.

"The building we are in just now is not ideal as it is a pre-fabricated building, and this would give us a chance to set up a new practice. It is still early days, though [in the planning process]."

Mr Carbiner's application says that only remedial work would be carried out to the outside of the building, in keeping with the town’s conservation area.

The supporting statement added: "The property has been marketed since 2014 and the marketing demonstrates that the only real interest to occupy the premises is from the applicant."

If the plans are given the go-ahead, a two-room surgery would open in the town centre with a reception room and a sterilisation room. The application is expected to be discussed by North Berwick Community Council on Tuesday.