A north-east brewer has won permission for a massive expansion on a new site, creating 25 jobs.
Councillors have allowed BrewDog to relocate its operation from its Fraserburgh home to Potterton on the outskirts of Aberdeen.
The move will allow the brewery to produce more than 2million bottles of beer every month, eight times the amount it currently makes.
Planning permission was granted at a full meeting of Aberdeenshire councillors yesterday.
Members welcomed the application – against the recommendation of council planners who said they were “significantly contrary” to policy.
BrewDog co-founder Martin Dickie said the “very exciting” project required a large site close to the city and good transport links.
The expanded brewery on an eight-acre site at Potterton will provide up to 25 jobs in the area, he said.
BrewDog expects to use water from boreholes on the site and barley grown in local fields to produce some of its beer and will be creating renewable energy for power.
The development includes a visitor centre which Mr Dickie says will attract tourists to the area.
Planning director Christine Gore told councillors that the plans were “significantly contrary to the development plan” because the development was on greenbelt land.
“There is no doubt it is an exciting development,” she said.
“I think the applicant has provided a strong case for the proposed development on this site.
“Unfortunately, given the particular location of the site, officers do not feel able to recommend anything other than refusal.”
A bid by Fraserburgh councillor Ian Tait urging fellow members to reject the application was thrown out yesterday.
Councillor Paul Johnston said: “They are making waves. They are showing there are products and people out of the north-east which will be of international importance.
“Given the interest in this from all parts of the world I think this is an exciting application.”
Councillor Allan Hendry said: “This is an innovative project as far as I am concerned.
“This council is trying to encourage businesses.”
The council has imposed a special condition on the development preventing anyone other than BrewDog from using the site.
The Fraserburgh plant will not be closed but will run in a reduced capacity, creating more specialist beers, said Mr Dickie.