A FORMER pub in Barrhead is set to be transformed into a new restaurant.

The once-popular Dovecothall Inn is located in one of the town’s most prominent positions, at the junction of Dovecothall Street and Darnley Road.

Strathclyde Estate Agents previously listed the pub for sale for £95,000 after it closed suddenly – but it has lain empty ever since.

However, the Barrhead News can reveal a planning application has now been submitted to East Renfrewshire Council that would see a new eatery opening its doors at the site.

The move has been welcomed by Barrhead Business Improvement District manager Andy Dunlop.

He said: “It is good to see empty units getting taken up.

“Having a new restaurant in what was once a popular pub would be good for the area as it would bring more people into Barrhead.”

According to the proposals, much of the building’s exterior would remain as it is.

The plans show there could be room for around 20 dining tables, as well as restrooms and a large kitchen for preparing food.

BC Aitken Consulting Engineers have submitted the proposals, which are expected to be considered by councillors in due course.

Independent Barrhead councillor Danny Devlin has welcomed the plans to breathe new life into the site.

He said: “The building has been lying empty on and off for several years now.

“As the building is in such a prominent area in Barrhead, at a roundabout where hundreds of cars pass daily, I think it would be good to see it back in use again.

“I welcome anything that generates business in Barrhead, so I think a new restaurant would definitely be a great addition to the town.

“The Dovecothall Inn was popular when it was open, so I wish the new restaurant all the best if this planning application were to be approved.”

No-one from BC Aitken Consulting Engineers was available for comment when contacted by the Barrhead News.

However, full details of the proposals can be found on the planning application section of East Renfrewshire Council’s website, using the reference 2017/0840/TP.