Dear Mr Matheson, Mr. Lawrie, Mr Stainbank, Mr Leslie, Falkirk Council Planning and Environmental Health teams,

I am writing on behalf of Rock Bottom, a licensed and actively trading venue located within the former bus station site in Falkirk town centre, to raise concerns and propose a constructive way forward regarding the current condition and access restrictions at the adjacent, privately-owned former bus yard, now under the ownership of McGill’s.

What We Are Requesting:
We are seeking basic access across the former yard for the following essential purposes:

Emergency services access (ambulance, fire, police)
Refuse collection and supply deliveries
Community use for safe, non-commercial civic events
This access would be minimal and managed, and we are not requesting unfettered public or commercial usage. Where relevant, we would propose controlled event-based access under separate agreement with McGill’s, on a revenue share or charitable sponsorship basis, allowing the company to be promoted as a community partner and sponsor of local initiatives.

Current Situation:
The yard remains completely blocked off with concrete barriers and unused
It has become neglected, collecting rubbish, and is an eyesore in a prominent civic space
It is preventing emergency vehicle access to the active premises now located inside the site
The Council has previously been refused use of the land for public events, despite community benefit
Council Powers We May Ask You to Use:
Should this issue remain unresolved, we would respectfully ask Falkirk Council to consider:

Issuing an Amenity Notice under Section 179 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, requiring the landowner to clear and tidy the site.
Coordinating with Scottish Fire and Rescue Services and Building Standards to review the safety of restricted access.
Exploring the use of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) or servitude agreement to restore lawful public utility where justified in the public interest.
This request is not intended to create confrontation with McGill’s or impede their rights as landowner. We appreciate their role in the transport network and would much prefer to reach a mutually agreeable solution.

Our Offer:
To demonstrate good faith and ensure no misuse of the space, we propose that:

Falkirk Delivers (BID) act as a neutral third-party steward, monitoring and facilitating agreed use
Rock Bottom could organise and fund the disposal of any rubbish that may accumulate from light use
For any commercial events, we would proactively approach McGill’s to agree a tailored deal on a case-by-case basis, offering them sponsorship visibility or revenue participation
We believe this solution supports the regeneration of the town centre, maintains safety and order, and reflects the community spirit that Falkirk is proud of until a permanent use of the site is found. We are open to meeting with the relevant officers, stakeholders, or McGill’s representatives to discuss this further.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,
Ondrej Rafaj
Rock Bottom