The famous Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay can continue to bottle its amber nectar on the island after being granted permission for six new warehouses.
The proposal was met by objections from nine individuals and a local hearing was held by Argyll and Bute Council to determine the application.
Concerns raised included the scale, height, and location of the buildings. Objectors also said the white finish proposed, although in keeping with the main distillery, was too bright.
But following the hearing the council’s planning committee agreed unanimously to grant planning consent.
The six new bonded warehouses are to be built on land north of Coultorsay, at Bruichladdich.
A disgorging unit/filling store, welfare facilities, an access road, hard standings, septic tank and drainage infrastructure will also be constructed.
Councillor David Kinniburgh, chairman of the planning committee, said: “Other sites had been looked at. This was the most suitable for it as it was clear there was a locational need for it. There is already another warehouse right next to the site. Councillors didn’t see any reason to refuse it.
“The distillery enhances the economic development of the island, it has gone from 19 employees in 2001 to more than 80 in 2015. They intend to employ a few more now that this planning permission has been granted, as it keeps the operation entirely on the island, which is a major selling point for them.”
Carl Reavey, PR officer for Bruichladdich, said: “We are absolutely delighted. It means a great deal because it is absolutely essential for the continuation of Bruichladdich as we know it today to build new warehouses. We are absolutely determined to do everything we possibly can to retain as much as possible of the process here on Islay.”
The development is part of a 15 year project, however work to construct the first of the warehouses will begin immediately.