Distillery given go-ahead despite island concerns
Diageo Limited has been granted planning permission to build a new distillery at the Port Ellen Maltings, despite an objection being received from Islay Community Council.
An Argyll and Bute Council planning officer said the proposed new distillery represented an opportunity to enhance what a report described as ‘an economically fragile area’.
A planning and access statement by Diageo said: ‘The development proposals will see a re-establishment of Port Ellen Distillery.
‘Currently serving as maltings to the majority of Islay’s distilleries, Port Ellen will be brought back into production in an innovative combination of tradition and experimentation.
‘The proposals involve removal and replacement of several buildings included within the listed designation.
‘The buildings relate to the 19th century distillery and were predominantly ancillary buildings around the perimeter of the distillery part of the site and over the years have been significantly altered.
‘The removal of these buildings opens up the site, providing previously unseen views to and from the former malt drying kiln.
‘It also allows space for the development of a new distillery building to the west and visitor building to the east, with the re-introduction of Kiln Square in-between.’
Community councillor Rachel Whyte said in a representation to the council in July 2019: ‘We are concerned the development may reduce water and foul treatment capacity overall and consequently further jeopardise much-needed housing development in Port Ellen.
‘We request to know how many workers will be employed at the distillery and whether Diageo has considered how the housing needs of any new staff will be addressed.
‘We also share concerns about lack of detail regards flooding, foul drainage and air quality.
‘Port Ellen residents need assurances the development will have no hazardous or polluting impact on their environment and that air quality is maintained.’
Answering those concerns, the planners’ report stated: ‘The proposal represents an opportunity to enhance the conservation area, setting of listed buildings and provide an overall improvement to this part of Port Ellen.
‘Islay is considered an economically fragile area and this proposal will generate employment opportunities and investment in the settlement.
‘The design is consistent with the provisions of the development plan in terms of impact on listed buildings and the wider conservation area.
‘The proposal has demonstrated a minimum and acceptable impact on the water environment through a flood risk assessment and drainage impact assessment. There are no adverse comments from consultees and no third party representations.
‘The proposal also offers a unique opportunity to reopen an iconic whisky brand from the island and a chance to improve the realm around the maltings.’
‘This proposal will generate employment opportunities and investment in the settlement’