A FORMER bank building in North Berwick could be transformed into a three-storey home and office.

The town’s Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) closed in June last year. Since then, the building on Westgate has sat empty.

But now Mr and Mrs Nigel Sharp are keen to transform the site, with plans to demolish the former bank hall and create a new house with office space. A design statement included with the planning application says that the proposals aim to be “respectful of the character and amenity of the residential area”.

It reads: “The proposals seek to interpret these features in a contemporary manner that gives cognisance to the existing Victorian building that it joins on to.

“With the main element built out of high-quality stone, the proposal will fit in very well within the context.”

Plans show the home on three levels, with a basement, ground floor and first floor.

The basement includes a wine cellar, shower room and rumpus room while the ground floor features an en-suite bedroom.

Access would also be created to an office on the ground floor, with space for a driveway turntable outside. The first floor has a lounge and kitchenette, plus a second en-suite bedroom.

The document continues: “Nigel has Parkinson’s disease meaning that the new home will need to be designed to accommodate specific requirements in this regard.

“The floor plan is designed to be accessible at all levels with the provision of a lift and wide hall and doorways.

“Height, light and bright is what is achieved in this scheme along with an element of ‘wow’ everywhere one looks.”