PLANS to convert a former council building in the centre of Helensburgh into a delicatessen and restaurant have been approved by council officials.

Glasgow-based grocery chain Peckham's has been given the green light to carry out the work on the former council offices, district court and meeting rooms at 48 Sinclair Street.

The firm is also hoping to install function suites in the building and to form six flats on the upper floors.

In response to representations from statutory consultees, and also from the owners of the neighbouring Gordon's Chemist in Sinclair Street, the company has agreed to scrap plans to provide outdoor seating at the rear of the property, to reduce the width of the outdoor seating area in Sinclair Street, and not to continue the outdoor seating around the corner into East Princes Street.