A BOOMING Kelso-based industrial tank manufacturer’s expansion plans have received a stamp of approval from Scottish Borders Council (SBC).

Planners at the local authority have agreed an application from Forbes Technologies Ltd on the Pinnaclehill Industrial Estate.

The company specialises in the production of industrial plastic tanks and bunded chemical storage tanks.

The application was for the construction of an extension forming a tank processing building to the south west of the existing building.

The proposed building will allow processes which currently are carried out externally to be moved inside into a controlled environment not dependant on the weather.

Former employee and Kelso councillor Tom Weatherston offered his support to the application, saying: “I support this application and the ongoing expansion of a valued employer in the town.

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“The company has grown rapidly over a number of years and it’s great to see more space being needed.

“I am a former employee of the company and have seen just how important the jobs are in Kelso.

“This proposal is very similar to what’s already in place and should blend in well with what’s already been approved previously”.

In his report approving the application, SBC assistant planning officer Euan Calvert says: “This site is central to the established industrial estate. The site is enclosed by adopted roads on three sides.

“Neighbours to the north and west are G D Auto Services, Pettigrews and Plexus. To the south east are buildings of the former Border Precision Engineering. To the south west is Scotmas.

“The principle of extending this building is acceptable. There are a number of large scale steel portal framed buildings on the Forbes compound and this proposal would extend an existing building to provide additional industrial floor space.

“The extension would be of a scale, massing and height appropriate to its surroundings and the host building.”