Bid to build new cooperage in Keith turned down

Isla Cooperage's plan to build a new site have been turned down – but the company has been encouraged to apply again for planning permission.

Moray Council's planning committee unanimously rejected the proposed development at its meeting today.

Councillors recognised the economic desirability of the plan but, as it stands at the moment, were concerned about access to the site.

Isla Cooperage asked permission to build on vacant industrial land next to Keith FC's Kynoch Park ground.

However council officers recommended that elected members refused the proposal because it did not include adequate road links to other land in the area marked for development.

There were also concerns the applicant did not provide enough information on steps that would be taken to minimise risks to the environment.

The planning officer's report to the meeting concluded: "The proposed cooperage is an appropriate use for this site and the expansion of an existing local business is to be welcomed. However, the proposal fails to comply with the requirements of the development plan."

Theresa Coull (Keith and Cullen, SNP) said: "I’m very much in favour of this going ahead, and to see if we can come to some sort of compromise."

John Cowe (Heldon and Laich, Independent) said: "It’s very unfortunate that this plan has come forward because, with further consultation, the issue could have been resolved and we could have had 40 jobs in Keith."

Jim Grant, the council's head of economic development and growth, stated to the meeting that he would be "quite happy" to sit down with Isla Cooperage to see if the problems could be overcome.

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