Growth deal for distillery
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A MORAY distillery has been granted approval for a major expansion.
Benromach Distillery can now build 11 new cask warehouses on 6.2 hectares at its site in Forres.
Although the development is on prime agricultural land and in the Countryside Around Towns area, members of Moray Council's planning and regulatory services committee gave their unanimous backing at a meeting last week.
Officers said it was an acceptable departure from the local plan because of its contribution to economic growth coupled with the firm's landscaping plans.
A report that was presented to members at the meeting stated: "In all other respects, including landscape and visual, transportation, drainage, pollution prevention, cultural and natural heritage etc. interests, the proposal is considered to accord with the provisions of the development plan."
Approval was given after Forres councillor Claire Feaver called for a change to planting conditions to ensure more adequate screening.
Speaking after the meeting, committee chairman, Cllr David Bremner, said the project would provide another boost to the local whisky industry.
He said: "This proposal reinforces the importance of the whisky industry here in Moray and shows the long-term commitment of a global player in the industry, for the benefit of the local economy.
"I'm convinced that this significant investment will instil further confidence in Moray's future economic growth – a key priority for this council."
The proposal received no objections and the development is likely to be phased in over a 10-year period.
