Despite substantial local concern, Falkirk Council’s planning committee met on the 25th June and approved a planning application in respect of the All Parts Auto Salvage site in High Bonnybridge.
Local residents have expressed their concern about this site on many occasions and local MSP Michael Matheson has made significant efforts to support them, including writing to Falkirk Council and SEPA on numerous occasions.
Concerned constituents will now undoubtedly feel let down by Falkirk Council and by its planning committee who determined that the site should be granted planning permission.
SNP representatives on the committee made efforts to secure a satisfactory conclusion for local residents, calling for the application to be refused or deferred. The vote, however, was lost and the application was consequently granted.
Reacting to the decision, Michael Matheson MSP said:
“This decision defies the strength of public opinion surrounding the site at High Bonnybridge. Elected representatives have chosen not to listen to the countless letters of objection and the opinions expressed by many local people, and have instead opted to grant planning permission to a site which is an eyesore to the local community.
“It is clear to me that there is a weight of evidence against this decision which was not fully and properly considered. The action taken by SEPA as a result of the site stockpiling waste without a waste management licence and the fact that the site had been working without planning permission for some time are both signs that planning permission should not have been granted.
“I plan to meet with local residents in the coming days to offer them my support and discuss what action can now be taken on this matter.”
ENDS
