by Allan Scott

FURTHER information on a landmark planning application for the Drum Farm was revealed this week.

And proposals to put the plans on public display have also been revealed.
The application, lodged with Falkirk Council two weeks ago, features a mixed use development including an extension to the current residential site, a business park and a hotel or restaurant.

It also contains facilities such as a community centre, cemetery, parkland with footpaths and cycle routes and children's playground.

In addition, a waterway or loch would create the opportunity for enhanced wildlife habitat and a substantial area of woodland has been included to protect the Green Belt boundary.

The business park has the potential to provide hundreds of jobs and increase employment opportunities for local people claimed a spokesman this week.

Ed Monaghan of Mactaggart and Mickel said: "The outline application includes several elements which could significantly impact in a very positive way for the community."

Grange Estate's John Cadell believes the scheme will complement Falkirk Council's emerging plans for the town.

He said: "It is quite unusual for a landowner to be so closely involved with the creation of a development on their land.

However, Grange Estate has been committed from the very beginning to the high quality and integrated approach of the masterplan. We are now at the stage where we can begin to market the business site. We wanted to ensure the right conditions were in place first and, in doing so, further enhance the image of Bo'ness.

The result of our work through our involvement with forward-looking developers and the Greenbelt Group is already beginning to transform the eastern gateway of Bo'ness.

The quality achieved by our integrated approach is now being promoted as the primary Scottish model for development by the Scottish Executive.
" All the pieces are now coming together — we have an excellent location combined with the right quality of environment.

This is certain to attract business, leisure and tourism to the site with all the advantages for the local economy in terms of jobs, trade and investment."

The proposals are to go on display at Mactaggart and Mickel's office at The Drum to allow the community the opportunity to consider the merits of the proposed development.

The display will also be available for viewing at Bo'ness Library from February 27. Details are also available on the community web site: http://www.bo-ness.org.uk/polls/Drum-BusinessPark.htm .

The outline planning application comes on the heels of a £5 million venture by Falkirk Council, Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley, BP and Historic Scotland which includes re-opening Bo'ness harbour and restoration of the Hippodrome Cinema.

Last year Mactaggart and Mickel won a Homes for Scotland Design Award for Drum Farm.

But doubters say the business park is a red herring that will never come off — and that Grange Estates will eventually seek to extend the boundaries of the housing being built there.

Sceptics also claim that, despite being zoned for business use 10 years ago, there has been no interest from anyone in developing the site for such a purpose.