HMO given go ahead for Grangemouth town centre

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A former restaurant in Grangemouth town centre now has planning permission to be used as an HMO (house in multiple occupancy).

Falkirk Council’s planning committee granted permission to the REWD Group to change the use of what was once Cinnamon Restaurant at 60B La Porte Precinct.

Plans show the long-vacant building will be converted to have ten rooms with en-suite facilities, a communal kitchen and lounge area.

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Grangemouth Community Council objected to the application, saying they were worried that it could be be a source of anti-social behaviour and pointing out the FK3 area already has five HMOs.

Councillors approved plans for the HMO in Grangemouth town centreCouncillors approved plans for the HMO in Grangemouth town centre
Councillors approved plans for the HMO in Grangemouth town centre

They also argued that no provision had been made for parking or waste management.

In a statement, they said: “Falkirk Grangemouth Growth Deal and Grangemouth Community Action Plan convey a consistent message from the community that they want improvements to the town centre as a priority.

“There needs to be a co-ordinated approach to repurposing the town centre and a master plan / place plan to be agreed by the community. ”

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Councillor Allyson Black said she had raised similar concerns with planners but was told that anti-social behaviour is not a planning concern.

She said: “I do welcome the redevelopment of an old building but I do have concerns about it.

“I hope it is used for contract workers because I don’t think that putting vulnerable people in an HMO is going to help regeneration.”

Councillor Lynn Munro agreed that there should be a masterplan and this was an unsatisfactory solution to the problems of the town centre.

However, the change of use was approved unanimously.

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