Falkirk Council is now required to hold a hearing to consider the issues raised in objections.

The decision from Scottish Ministers follows the preliminary decision by Falkirk Council’s  Executive Committee to confirm the Scheme in January 2025.

The council will now appoint an independent reporter to conduct the hearing and issue a final report.

The aim of the hearing is to give objectors an opportunity to be heard, and to provide the reporter with all the information necessary for a report, but in a more flexible and less formal setting than at a Public Local Inquiry (PLI).

Once the hearing has been held and a report submitted to the council by the reporter, it will then be presented to the appropriate Committee of the council for consideration. This process will allow a final decision on the Scheme to be made.

Council leader, Cecil Meiklejohn, said: “We are pleased to announce that the Scottish  Ministers have entrusted the council with the final decision on the Scheme, reflecting their confidence in our ability to make the best choice for our communities.

“This marks a significant and positive step forward for the communities of Grangemouth, Wholeflats, Glensburgh, Langlees, Carron, Carronshore, and Stirling Road in Camelon.”