THE former home of a family-run electrical appliance business looks set to be turned into a restaurant.

Bisset & Steedman moved to Prestonpans from Tranent High Street earlier this year after spending 90 years in the town centre.

Now, East Lothian Council’s planning department has approved plans from DLSH Properties Ltd.

Proposals show the building being split in two, with the larger section used for a cafe, restaurant or snack bar.

The other section of the building would remain as a shop but would only be accessed from High Street, rather than through the restaurant.

No suggestion has been made as to what type of cuisine would be served in the new business.

The council planning officer noted that there were works planned for outside the building.

They said: “The building fronts onto and is readily visible from Tranent High Street.

“The works to the front of the building would be readily visible.

“However, the removal of the shutters and reinstatement of the doorway would be appropriate to the building.

“They would enhance the appearance of the building and the character and appearance of the Tranent conservation area.”

Bisset & Steedman blamed its move on “constraints on customer accessibility to the shop” due to lack of parking.

Mike Falconer, chair of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council, welcomed the idea of the space being filled.

He said: “Any businesses coming into the space will be a welcome addition.

“I am just glad to see that the space will be used rather than lying empty. It is vital that we do not have too many unused buildings along Tranent High Street.”