BREWDOG have been granted retrospective consent for two 200Hl stianless steel fermentation tanks at their Kessock Roadplant in Fraserburgh.
The Banff and Buchan Area Committee which met in Banff on Tuesday had previously held a site visit before making its decision.
The committee heard the firm was seeking the retention of two fermentation units on an existing industrial estate withi
n the council's ownership.
Members were reminded that the tanks had been erected without the planning permission and that two letters of representation had been receiving from one party objecting to the application on five grounds - odour emissions, vermin problems, impact of visual amenity, impact on parking and that the development is unauthorised.
The report noted: "The key issues associated with the proposal are identified above. In respect of the visual impact of the development, the tanks protrude above the existing facility and are seen from outwith the site.
"However, when viewing the site from the Kessock Roads one's eye is immediately drawn to the proliferation of trailer backs within the estate and not the tanks subject to this proposal. In visual terms the impact of these tanks is not considered to have an adverse impact on either the setting of the modern estate or on the wider environment.
"In terms of amenity it is acknowledged that a brewery (as Brewdog is) has the potential to cause odour nuisance. This is why such uses are located on industrial estates and not near to dwellings.
"Notwithstanding this the Environmental Health service of Planning and Environmental Services does not object to the proposal on the basis of potential odour issues. It has been confirmed that, at the time of writing this report, no complaints had been received in this respect and also that the Council can take action under other legislation if odour became an issue."
Members hear that the Roads Department had said that as there is no additional staff required, the parking provision is adequate.
The report concluded that as the proposal meets planning policy in terms of the visual and environmental impacts of the development are considered to be acceptable.
Members were told that issues associated with land ownership are entirely separate from the consideration of the application and it may or may not be that the Council as landowner will allow the development to remain irrespective of the outcome of this application: "In the specific circumstances of this application there is no direct connection with the currently specified objectives and identified actions of the Banff and Buchan.
"No separate consideration of the current proposal's degree of sustainability is required as the concept is implicit to and wholly integral with the planning process against the policies of which it has been measured."
The report stated that since the application meets the aims and objects of the structure plan and is in accordance with the local plan that it be granted full permission.
Councillor Brian Topping moved that the application be refused because of concerns over parking, however Councillor Michael Watt moved approval of the application, which was granted after a vote of 4-2.
