PLANS to turn a former boutique dress shop into a cafe in Paisley have been given the green light by council chiefs.

Spoons Coffee House has been preparing to open up in the town’s Causeyside Street inside the former Polly Rose Boutique store, which is now based in Rowan Street.

And now planning bosses have rubber-stamped proposals for the eatery, which is set to offer cakes, soup, baked potatoes, paninis and sandwiches alongside a variety of hot drinks.

The firm also laid out plans to install an outdoor seating area on the pavement.

Environment officers objected to the proposal and raised some concerns about tables and chairs being out front, as it would reduce the width of the pavement.

But planning chiefs have said they are confident it will not significantly impact pedestrians.

During the coronavirus lockdown period, new signs have gone up at the site as staff prepare to welcome customers for the first time when restrictions begin to ease.

A decision notice approving the plans, subject to conditions being met, stated: “The outdoor seating area consists of three tables and six chairs positioned on the footway to the front of the premises.

“In terms of visual amenity, the outdoor seating area does not raise any issues. In fact, it is bringing a compatible use into an appropriate environment.

“Environment and infrastructure services have been consulted and have raised concerns regarding the reduction of the width of the footway.

“Outwith the opening hours and in times when outdoor seating will not be in-situ because of weather conditions, the seating will be stored within the premises. In this instance, it is considered the outdoor seating will not significantly impact pedestrians using the footway. There is still room for the safe passage of pedestrians.

“Overall, it is considered the proposed use and outdoor seating area is acceptable and will not have an adverse impact on the amenity of the surrounding area.”