HMO given go ahead for Grangemouth town centre

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.

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.

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. ”

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.

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Jill Buchanan