Ambitious proposals to create a major industrial and commercial development in Bowling took another step forward this week as its full business case was approved by councilors.

A meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council gave the green light to the £44million project, which will see the former ExxonMobil site transformed into a mixed-use development, with storage, distribution, industrial, business and office space.

The business case outlined that the project is expected to provide up to 980 full-time jobs, as well as 670 jobs during the construction stage.

The project will also include a number of road improvements connecting to the site, including the addition of a 1.95km relief road through the community.

Council leader Martin Rooney said: “The agreement of this full business case takes us a step closer to delivery of a hugely ambitious project which will benefit our area for years to come.

“This project is expected to deliver a huge amount of jobs in our area and bring a return 26 times greater than our investment, which will be fantastic for West Dunbartonshire and the City Region as a whole.

“Residents will also see the benefits of a site which has been lying idle for years coming back into productive use, as well as the introduction of a much-needed relief road, providing an alternative route for traffic between Milton Junction and Dunglass Castle, and public access to greenspace areas at the site.”

Of the 150-acre site, 47 acres are planned for development, with 'green' infrastructure enhancements such as a waterfront pedestrian and cycle path being proposed.

In addition, a heritage area has been identified around the listed structure at Dunglass Roundabout.

The proposed development is part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

Councillor Michelle McGinty, depute council leader, said: “It was great to see continued cross-party support for this important project, which will be such a positive addition to the area.

“This will be one of the biggest infrastructure improvements in West Dunbartonshire’s history and I look forward to seeing the project progress.”

The business case will now be presented to the Glasgow City Region Chief Executive Group and subsequently to Cabinet for approval in August.

If the final business case is approved by Cabinet, the plans will go to a future meeting of the council’s planning committee for consideration.

The Glasgow City Region City Deal is an agreement between the UK Government, the Scottish Government and eight local authorities, including West Dunbartonshire Council.