Measures under the Elgin Flood Prevention Scheme that have protected the site of a major distillery will also allow an expansion of facilities on the site.
The Glen Moray Distillery was badly affected by floods from the River Lossie on several occasions with empty whisky barrels carried away by flood water in 2009.
However, the site will be protected under the new flood prevention measures – and that has given owners the confidence to lodge a planning application for the creation of seven new warehouses on the site.
Moray Council planners are recommending acceptance of the proposals to be put before councillor’s this week. The application is for buildings on the south and west of existing structures at the distillery, required to meet a rising international demand for whisky that has seen production rise by over a half in the last year.
The report by planners says: “Two of the seven warehouses encroach slightly on an adjoining area of land which has an environmental green designation.
“However, the character of the land involved has been altered as a result of flood alleviation works carried out at the distillery.
“In addition landscaping arrangements have been made to enhance wildlife there.”