A bid to turn the former Inverkip Pharmacy into a coffee shop has been approved by Inverclyde Council.

The ‘change of use’ application was seeking permission to turn the unit that once housed the village’s chemist and convenience store into a shop with a sales area, toilet, and a wash-up and prep area.

Documents submitted as part of the application by ICC Member, Rebecchi Architectural show a new shopfront bearing the name ‘Kip Coffee’ with seating for up to 18 people internally.

A condition of planning permission is that the cafe can only open between 08:00 and 20:00 Monday to Friday, 08:00 and 18:00 on Saturdays, and 08:00 and 17:00 on Sundays.

Reflecting on the approval, applicant Angela Docherty said: “This is fantastic news and we are delighted that we can now begin the necessary refurbishment works for the property.

“It is a big project given its current condition but we’re excited to bring a superb new facility to Inverkip which many will be able to walk to.

“I’d like to thank Rebecchi Architectural for all of their support.”

The former Pharmacy and Post Office unit was sold earlier this year by Inverclyde property specialists, Bowman Rebecchi.

Marco Rebecchi from Rebecchi Architectural said: “Congratulations to Angela and her plans will see a superb modern Cafe unit that will bring a much-needed facility for residents of the village to meet and socialise.

“Inverkip has grown substantially over the past decade and this type of space will be a welcome addition to what is already a vibrant village.

“All of the team at Rebecchi Architectural would like to wish Angela every success with her plans.”

Rebecchi Architectural