Tiny trench keeps controversial INEOS planning permission on Bo'ness Road alive

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A tiny trench dug in a Grangemouth road means chemicals giant INEOS now has planning permission 'in perpetuity' to go ahead with a controversial application that would mean a public road being closed.

A lawyer for the company told members of Falkirk Council's planning committee on Wednesday that there are no immediate plans to actually go ahead with any development on Bo'ness Road at the moment as INEOS is "considering its next steps".The original planning permission for INEOS to build a security centre, two gatehouses and up to five pipe bridges was granted by Scottish Ministers in 2019, despite widespread opposition as it would mean the partial closure of the Bo'ness Road. Read more: Noisy 5G mast too close to Falkirk house without permission However, there were several conditions attached to that permission - including one that work should start within five years.On March 21 this year, that permission would have expired if no work had started.However, INEOS has now presented Falkirk Council with evidence, including affidavits and photographs, that work has indeed taken place on the foundations for one of the security blocks.Yesterday (Wednesday) members of Falkirk Council's planning committee were told that the decision they were being asked to make was a technical one that had very clear legal definitions.Planning officers said INEOS had provided enough evidence to grant the certificate of lawfulness as requested, which would mean "the works to complete the permission could theoretically be carried out at any point in time".Independent councillor Brian McCabe, who was allowed to speak although not a member of the committee, questioned the fact that such a small piece of work was enough to justify the certificate."