The deal will allow the Council onto the Exxon Mobil-owned site to carry out the necessary studies as part of its plan to redevelop the derelict land.

As well as creating a major industrial and commercial development, the proposal is to build a new road to provide an alternative route in and out of West Dunbartonshire.

The project is part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal which would see the Council contribute £3.8m to the overall £28m regeneration project.

It is expected that the project would support up to 690 full time jobs, with the site potentially generating an additional £19.1m each year for the West of Scotland economy.

A report presented to Councillors recently, outlined that a study examining the wildlife in the area is currently being carried out, as well as a flooding assessment of Milton Burn.

Negotiations are still ongoing to purchase the site, although if all goes to plan this should be concluded by April next year.

Councillor Patrick McGlinchey, convener for infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, said: “The Council is continuing to work very closely with Exxon as we move forward with our plans for redeveloping the site. This project is a key regeneration priority for the Council as we aim to improve economic growth and employability across West Dunbartonshire. The access agreement is a major milestone for the project and allows us to progress to the next stage.”

Councillor David McBride, vice convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, added: “This project will provide much-needed jobs for the area and create better links between West Dunbartonshire and the Glasgow city region. Improved connectivity will help to attract more businesses to the area and deliver economic growth for the area. It is great news that we are now on site and I look forward to hearing of further progress in the coming months.”

The Glasgow City Region City Deal is an agreement between the UK Government, the Scottish Government and eight Local Authorities across Glasgow and the Clyde Valley.

West Dunbartonshire’s Strategic Business Case for the Exxon project, which was approved in June last year, shows that the Council would contribute £3.8m to the overall project cost, with the remainder being funded by grants from the UK and Scottish Governments.