Pitlochry brewery Wasted Degrees gains approval after a legal challenge forced a council review of woodland impact.
The council’s decision faced a legal challenge later. The Court of Session reviewed it and asked the council to reconsider on February 12.
The review found a key issue: the council’s report lacked a clear woodland assessment. It involved ancient woodland. Council members used this report to decide last June.
The court rejected a challenge under the Equality Act 2010. Councillors had to review the application again and got a revised report.
The report noted tree loss hurts planning goals, but the council said the loss was limited. Other factors made it acceptable.
The council received many comments. Twenty-two letters supported the brewery, six objected, and two were neutral.
Some worried about racial harassment. They thought it would increase for Gypsy Travellers nearby.
Paul Williamson, a planner, presented the report. He said many trees were low quality. Six had honey fungus and needed removal.
The plan means losing twelve living trees. They will plant three new trees for each one lost, improving the woodland eventually. Dead trees and invasive plants will go.
Jack Low said the brothers were disappointed by the review. They respect the process and its results. Their focus remains on ecology.
He stated the site will improve ecologically. It’s not just a business matter as they will remove twelve trees. Half are diseased and harm other trees, three are non-native, and only three are healthy native trees.
Ian Massie wondered why they chose that location. Jack explained land is hard to find. They lease three buildings now, which isn’t efficient. A single site would help their business a lot.
The site has a history of industrial use. It used to be the town’s livestock market land. Councillors then unanimously approved the plans.
Conall started brewing beer in his parents’ garage using a small plastic bottle nine years ago. Now, they brew 25,000 litres monthly and export beer to thirteen countries.