A CLOSED Tillicoultry pub could find a new lease of life as a restaurant, if plans are approved.

Proposals have been lodged with Clackmannanshire Council by Sava Estates to turn the Red Lion, and attached residential accommodation into a restaurant, with a takeaway facility.

The High Street property, which was put on the market for £120,000 last year, is a prominent corner site facing the bus stops at Murray Square, but has not been operating recently.

If plans are given the nod, the public house could become an eatery, which will also entail the removal of the residential component to be turned into an office, staff facilities and storage.

The only change externally would be the addition of an extraction flue to remove odours from the kitchen.

A supporting statement with the application said: "The proposed change of use will see this prominent little building changed into a restaurant with a small takeaway facility.

"Given that the previous use was as a public house, the proposed restaurant will continue the theme of having an active use on this corner.

"This is important in promoting and animating this location, enlivening the area and creating a dynamic and active space.

"This will be particularly important in the evenings and the dark winter nights when the splay of light from the many windows will illuminate the footpath creating a sense of safety and wellbeing.

"This is so essential if the sense of place is to be developed and the town to prosper."