A PLAN to turn an historic Post Office dating back more than 100 years into a house has been approved.

Ross and Louise Searle closed Aberlady Post Office in September 2020.

Since then, attempts have been made to find a business to take on the premises.

However, with no one coming forward to run a business from the building on the village’s High Street, plans to transform it into a new home have been approved.

Roly and Miriam Simpson’s plans for a change of use of the shop into accommodation within the building attracted no objections from members of the public.

Documents included with the application noted that there had been interest from three food catering businesses. However, they all pulled out for different reasons: having found more suitable premises; the premises were too small; or it was not the right location.

Now, “internal reconfigurations on all levels of the house” will take place.

The planning officer’s report noted the other facilities in the village.

The report reads: “In this regard, the loss of the post office/shop would not constitute that loss of the last of its kind within Aberlady village given the presence of a supermarket, public house and restaurant/takeaway on High Street close by to the host property.”

Drawings show a groundfloor kitchen/dining area, as well as a living room and toilet. The first floor features four bedrooms, including an en-suite, as well as the family bathroom. Upstairs shows the master bedroom with en-suite and study.

There are also plans for an “outdoor kitchen” space.

The application also notes that the plans do not affect the traditional red pillar postbox outside the property.