The company has submitted a planning application to Falkirk Council for the construction of a security management centre as well as two security gatehouses, security fencing and five pipe bridges.

If granted permission the proposed development, which is classed as a National Development, would need a section of the A904 Bo’ness Road between the Inchyra roundabout and the River Avon road bridge to be permanently closed to the public by a “Stopping Up Order”.

National Development status requires a pre-determination hearing before the council can decide whether to grant or refuse planning permission. This is to allow Ineos and those who make representations to be heard by councillors.

Ineos also plans to build a new propylene production unit, with sites in Belgium among locations being considered, as well as expanding its site in Rafnes, Norway.

Gerd Franken from Ineos said: “These expansions and new-builds will increase our self-sufficiency in all key olefin products and give further support to our derivative businesses and polymer plants in Europe.

“All our assets will benefit from our capability to import competitive raw materials from the US and the rest of the world.”