Plans to convert Grangemouth’s Bowhouse Hotel into shops have been refused

The plans, which were lodged by Shajaz Ali, were denied on January 24. Mr Ali and his brother Ishy, who owns the Costcutter GKR store in Loanhead Avene, Grangemouth, purchased the Bowhouse Hotel last year and were planning to site stores at the location.

Last year the brothers said they were in the early stages of looing to convert the premises into a concenience store and possible other shops so it could again serve the community.

At the time Ishy told The Falkirk Herald: “We have been in Grangemouth all our life and, although it all depends on planning, this shop will be opening there. There will also be other units there, but we don’t know what will go in them as yet.”

A Falkirk Council spokesman said: “It is considered insufficient parking provision exists on site to accommodate the proposed development. Further concerns also relate to the likely increase of on street parking at Bowhouse Road.

“As a result the proposed development would not safeguard the interests of road users.”