NEW life could be breathed into a long-closed pub and hotel in North Berwick after major refurbishment plans were lodged with East Lothian Council.

The County Hotel has been closed since September 2018 when its previous licensee Tony Breathnach departed.

The 10-bedroom High Street hotel, which also includes a bar and dining area, was leased to Mr Breathnach by Star Pubs & Bars, part of Heineken UK which own the site.

It has since sat vacant with attempts to find a new licensee falling flat, hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Star Pubs & Bars stated in the application: "The proposed works form part of the refurbishment of the public house/hotel in order to enhance its offer and ensure it remains a competitive and a viable business.

"This is an important consideration, as the works will enable the pub to remain in its original use, which is the optimum use in heritage terms.

"The pub has been closed for a number of years and without the proposed investment and improvements to the existing facilities, the public house could fall into gradual decline and, as a worst-case scenario, lead to its permanent demise.

"This would be negative for the local community and would likely lead to redevelopment pressures, to convert the building to an alternative use."

The new proposal has outlined the changes that are planned at the site, including a newly refurbished outdoor area.

The plans would see the remodelling of the the ground floor external front elevation with the removal of the narrow double doors and replaced with a new glazed window and stall riser.

It would also see the remodelling of the ground floor layout, including the relocation of the bar server, the public toilet facilities and form a new internal porch to the entrance including new double doors and glazed screens.

The bar area would also be made more open as the plans highlight the removal of the existing section of dividing wall between the existing bar lounge and dining area.

The existing service yard area would become integrated with a new seating area or "beer garden".

This area is proposed to be "paved, to accommodate additional seating with areas of soft landscaping also provided" while the applicants hope this would "enhance" the section while ensuring future maintenance due to its dedicated use.

This would also be enhanced with the installation of new doors leading to the external covered area with a new timber pagoda between the main rear elevation and the existing rear beer garden.

There would also be a change of use of the single storey out-building to the rear to form an additional enclosed bar area with food options.

No timetable for the works – or a potential reopening date – has been revealed. Star Pubs & Bars has been asked to comment.