PLANS for reinstatement and repairs to the pier and sea wall at an Islay distillery have been approved by council officers.
The Glenmorangie Company made the application for planning permission for the works to Argyll and Bute Council after storm damage.
The authority received no representations from the public, expressing either objection or support, during the planning process.
An application for listed building consent has also been approved, also without any feedback being submitted by the public.
A council planning officer said in a handling report: “The development proposal consists of reinstatement and repairs to the existing Ardbeg Distillery Pier and sea wall, following storm damage.
“The site forms part of the sea wall and pier along the shoreline at the Ardbeg Distillery. The distillery forms a large complex of inter-connected large buildings which are utilised in the processing and manufacturing of whisky.
“The proposed works involve the removal of the remaining sea wall to the west of the pier and replacement with a new reinforced wall. The proposed sea wall would provide a resilient structure, helping to safeguard the distillery from impacts from future maritime storms.
“The proposed changes and improvements to the sea wall and pier are an appropriate development within this long-established whisky distillery site where the proposals would not give rise to any adverse impacts to the amenity of existing users of the site, or the appearance and character of the site and the wider area.”
A design statement submitted with the application said: “The proposed wall will provide a resilient structure, helping to safeguard the distillery site in a challenging marine environment and from the effects of climate change.
“While the replacement wall will be constructed from concrete, it is proposed to finish it externally with natural stone, seeking to replicate the appearance of the wall’s previous appearance.
“The proposed works also allow for the inclusion of fittings which will allow for the installation of demountable flood defence barriers on the top of the sea wall.”
