COUNCILLORS are to personally inspect two fermentation tanks erected without permission at Brewdog's Fraserburgh premises.
The local brewery - which recently regained the prestige of boasting the world's strongest beer - installed the two stainless steel tanks at the council-owned Kessock Road Industrial Estate without the benefit of planning permission.
Members of th
e Banff and Buchan Area Committee learned at thei rmeeting on Tuesday this week that two letters of representation had been received from one party which objected to the application on five grounds including odour emissions, vermin problems, impact of visual amenity, impact on parking and that the development is unauthorised.
A report from Aberdeenshire Council's planning department noted: "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.
BREW DOG'S JAMES WATT AND MARTIN DICKIE WITH THE NEW WORLD'S STRONGEST BEER 'SINK THE BISMARCK'.
"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 heard that the roads department had said that since no additional staff are required the parking provision is adequate.
The report concluded that as the proposal meets planning policy in terms of the visual and environmental impacts, the development is considered to be acceptable.
Members were told that issues associated with land ownership were 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.
The report to councillors continued: "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.
However, Councillor Brian Topping said that in fairness to the objectors' points, councillors should visit the site before coming to a decision - a proposal backed by his counterparts.
