New rules which could allow a wider range of firms to operate from Clydebank Business Park are set to be introduced.

Updated planning guidance approved by members of West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning committee this week aims to fill vacant units and increase activity within the site.

The council continues to receive interest from a diverse range of companies interested in locating within Clydebank Business Park which has traditionally been primarily for business, industrial, storage and distribution uses.

The new rules will also support improvements in the town centre by ensuring businesses consider a location within Clydebank town centre or at Clyde or Kilbowie Retail Park first.

Applications will be assessed on a range of criteria aimed at protecting existing and future businesses within the site. The guidelines also state that proposals should show a potential economic benefit to the area.

Residential and accommodation uses, such as hotels, will not be supported as they are not deemed to conform to the character of the business park.

Consultation took place between September and October last year which was primarily targeted at existing businesses in the area.

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, convener of planning, said: “I am delighted that this new planning guidance will be brought into force. It is imperative that we work to improve our town centres but also recognise the important role Clydebank Business Park plays in the local economy.

“Efforts to bring vacant premises back into use are most welcome and I look forward to seeing more businesses opening up in Clydebank as a result.”

Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, vice convener of planning, said: “This provides clear rules for planning officers to work from for the benefit of existing businesses, as well as firms which want to operate in Clydebank and consumers.

"I hope this will help to attract more businesses to the town, both at the business park and in town centre locations.”