Front page story in Bo'ness Journal, 6 February 2004
by Allan Scott

Up to 300 jobs could be created if Grange Estates gets the go-ahead for a hotel and business park at Drum Farm, Bo'ness.

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The application also seeks permission for leisure facilities on fields to the south of Grahamsdyke Road.

Bo'ness Community Council believes hundreds of jobs could be created by such a development - but other civic leaders have lobbied for the ground to be reinstated to Green Belt status. They are concerned house builders, encouraged by the Drum Farm development, may seek to move onto the fields on the south side of the road.

The application has been lodged at a time when Falkirk Council is seeking public opinion on land use as it redrafts its development plan.

Ed Monaghan of Mactaggart and Mickel said: "Grange Estates, in partnership with ourselves, has submitted an outline planning application to Falkirk Council, which will further extend The Drum if accepted. Our outline application incorporates an extension to the company's existing residential site, a new prestigious business park and the creation of new community facilities, if planning permission is secured.

"This will not only enhance the range of properties available at The Drum but also provide a new business park which will greatly increase employment opportunities for the residents within the existing community and also help them to achieve a more sustainable work/life balance.

John Cadell of Grange Estates said: "The Cadell family has been fully supportive of Mactaggart and Mickel since we first invited the company to submit plans for an innovative approach to greenfield housing five years ago.

"We were determined to appoint a company that would incorporate quality within the design as well as reflect the best characteristics of the Bo'ness surroundings in their development.
" It is clear in the urban layout of The Drum that Mactaggart and Mickel has achieved this.

"We believe we will achieve the same level of commitment and quality for not only the extension to the residential development but also the creation of the business park as outlined in the original masterplan for the area."

Councillor John Constable, convener of Falkirk Councils regulatory committee, said: "I find it rather odd that South Drum was designated for a business park eight years ago - and only now is the landowner doing anything about that.

"In that time the proposal has been dumped from the structure plan due to lack of interest and its future is under review as part of the local plan consultation process with a recommendation for reinstatement as Green Belt.

"These matters will be considered along with all other observations when the consultation comes forward for determination.

"Given the past history of the site I would anticipate some objections from the community"

Local member Harry Constable, who is also on the regulatory committee, said he would take account of local opinion.

HOUSING
A community council spokesman said a high quality commercial or science-based development allied to a "travel lodge" type of hotel would aid the regeneration of Bo'ness. Large scale housing on South Drum Farm would be resisted he added.

He added that a motel complex could sustain 200 jobs and boost the economy of the town.

Falkirk Council confirmed it had received an outline planning application which included proposals for a cemetery, business park, hotel, restaurant, cafeteria, shop and community facilities. A spokesman said: "It's too early to say when this application might fall to be determined."