New cafe bid for axed bank branch
Plans have been unveiled to transform a former bank into a cafe.
TSB pulled down the shutters on the Neilston Road branch in Paisley amid claims customers were using online banking instead.
The site could be reopened as a diner and takeaway under refurbishment proposals.
Planners revealed the vision for the building in a report to councillors.
It stated:“The bank is located within the ground-floor of a three-storey, terraced property, with residential on the upper storeys.
“While a variety of takeaways and pubs are located in the general locality, the area also supports a variety of other uses and will continue to support a diverse range of uses.
“There are flats directly above the unit, therefore the impact on the residential amenity of these properties requires to be considered.
“No objection has been raised with regards the storage and disposal of waste at the site.
“There is a minor alteration to the frontage proposed — the formation of a new entrance door and a flue on the rear.
“There are other hot food uses in the immediate vicinity, however, it is not considered that the proposed would result in an over-concentration.
“Given the nature of the area and parking restrictions surrounding the application premises, traffic generation would not be an issue.
“It is expected the majority of custom at the cafe would likely be from pedestrians.”
The bank is flanked by Well Pharmacy and WP Tulloch’s butchers.
Cafe owners have sought permission to open daily between 9am and 10pm.
Three letters of objection were sent, with concerns raised over noise and parking, with claims there are enough takeaways nearby.
TSB announced plans to shut the bank in February and closed the doors just four months later — with 16 more scrapped, including the branch at intu Braehead.
It says fewer than 200 customers visited every week.
Mhairi Black MP warned the closure would impact on those relying on face-to-face help with finances.
Bank bosses insisted customers would not lose out, with help available at offices in Paisley High Street and Canal Street, Renfrew.