A CLYDEBANK firm of funeral directors has been given planning permission to change a garage in the town into a funeral parlour, with the creation of 15 jobs.

West Dunbartonshire Council planners announced this week they had granted full planning permission to the company, The Independent Family Funeral, to set up business at a former garage in Great Western Road.

The new funeral parlour, previously operated as a vehicle repair garage and MoT centre, will be reconfigured to provide two arrangement rooms and a service room. The existing car park will be revamped to provide 20 car parking spaces, and the exit on to Great Western Road would be blocked off.

The application was reported in the Clydebank Post in July and attracted two objections from residents, based on parking, additional traffic and road safety.

The residents also felt that the application could result in a drop in their homes’ sell-on prices. They also believed it would “detract” from the general amenity of the area.

But council planners said: “The proposal is considered to have less impact on the amenity of the area than the current garage business and therefore complies with relevant policies.

“The funeral parlour is unlikely to create adverse noise or fumes, although it is accepted regular vehicle access will be required.

“They have been restricted to opening times of 9am until 5pm.”

Tony Foster, founder of the company, told the Post: “If you’re ever in a position that you need to have a funeral director, you really need someone who is able to help your family and look after their best needs.

“You get to feel really part of the community, so we’re looking forward to building that within Clydebank. Offering our service and price is going to make a big difference.”