In a letter to Falkirk Council leader Linda Gow, ING's director of project management Hamish Calder said reaction to the consultation was very close and added: "We believe a certain amount of misrepresentation of ING's position by vociferous opposition groups is adding to the no vote."

He said, "for the avoidance of doubt", that ING had no plans to build six-storey blocks of houses and added: "We undertake not to submit a detailed planning application with any building on plots 14, 15 or 16 which will be more than five storeys."

He then underlined ING's commitment to Bo'ness.

He said: "This, we hope, is the start of ING having an increased presence in Scotland, we plan to build our business off the back of our involvement in Bo'ness.

"It is in ING's interests to stay involved with Bo'ness, to complete the harbour and to play a full part in the successful regeneration of Bo'ness."

However, he added that while ING is happy to sign a development agreement that it intends to stay involved, it could not enter an agreement commiting ING to delivering the harbour because the value of the development does not cover the costs of the harbour works.

After Falkirk Council agreed to allow ING to proceed, Council leader Linda Gow said: "We are delighted we are able to progress this exciting project. It is a fantastic opportunity and we are confident ING's plans can now move forward and permit the regeneration of the town to continue.

"It has taken over four years for us to reach this stage, to have delayed further would have been a disservice to the people of Bo'ness.

"I would like to thank all the people in the community who contributed their views during the consultation."

The consultation sparked its own angry debate, with Labour councillors rejecting claims from Bo'ness SNP councillor John Constable that a majority of people in the town voted against going ahead with the revised plans.

Pointing out only two community groups opposed the deal, Craig Martin, convener of the economic development committee, questioned the accuracy of the online poll and highlighted attempts to garner votes against from outside the area.

And in a letter to the Journal and Gazette, he added: "Clearly ING – and councillors on my side – heard what people in Bo'ness had to say and want to move forward. We want to see investment in Bo'ness and to see the town regenerate."