PLANS to open a restaurant on the banks of the River Esk have been given the go-ahead, despite objections.

Applicants Ciao Roma Restaurants have been granted permission by East Lothian Council to change a former antiques shop off Musselburgh High Street into a new eatery.

The proposals will see the restaurant entrance at the rear of the property, which was also once a Baptist church hall, on the banks of the river on Eskside East.

It is the fourth time in eight years that an application for a change of use of the building to a cafe or restaurant has been approved by planners, although the previous three times nothing happened.

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This time around, planning officers said that they received two objections from the same person, with the main grounds being increased traffic, footfall and anti-social behaviour.

Concern was also raised about the restaurant being on a site which was at risk of flooding.

Planners last week rejected proposals to change offices on the opposite side of the river into flats because the flood risk was, according to SEPA, a "significant risk to life".

However, in this case officers said that, because the change of use did not increase the vulnerability for users, it was not an issue.

Planning officers granted approval for the restaurant, saying that it did not go against council policy for the town centre.

They dismissed concern about traffic, saying that the new restaurant was “well located in the town to encourage staff and customers to walk or cycle to the premises".