SCOTTISH councillors have once again unanimously granted planning permission for a brewery in Pitlochry.
Wasted Degrees owners and brothers Conall and Jack Low were initially granted approval to build a brewery, taproom and shop with outdoor seating on Pitlochry‘s Ferry Road in June 2024 by Perth and Kinross Council.
However, the decision was later challenged in the Court of Session by a judicial review and Perth and Kinross Council’s Planning and Placemaking Committee was asked to reconsider the application on Wednesday, February 12.
The judicial review found an assessment in relation to ancient woodland had not been clearly carried out and considered within the planning officers’ report of handling presented to councillors for consideration last June.
A second ground of challenge – in terms of the Equality Act 2010 – was not accepted by the Court of Session.
Councillors were asked to consider the application and revised report of handling afresh on Wednesday.
Whilst acknowledging the loss of trees from ancient woodland was “contrary to NPF4” (the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4), PKC’s new report of handling – presented to councillors – stated “the loss of trees would be limited and acceptable due to other material considerations”.
The application received 22 letters of support, six objections and two neutral representations.
Among the concerns raised by objectors were that the development would increase the risk of Gypsy Travellers – who live near the site – suffering racial harassment.
Presenting the report, council planner Paul Williamson explained: “As part of the assessment of trees on site, many were category C and yew and six of them suffered from honey fungus and required to be removed as they have died.
“In total, the proposal would see the loss of 12 living trees with compensatory planting at a rate of three to one proposed.
“Where the loss of trees is always regrettable, the tree officer has confirmed the proposal will ultimately result in the removal of dead trees and invasive species and – as a result – enhancements and improvements to the woodland and woodland habitat.”
Co-owner Jack Low told councillors the brothers were “disappointed” there was a judicial review.
He said: “We were disappointed at a judicial review being launched, although we respect the process and we respect the outcomes.
“Crucially this doesn’t change what we’re doing here. We’re developing our site with ecology in mind. There will be an ecological gain as a result. Biodiversity wins here. This is not just about business. We’re removing 12 trees – half of which are diseased and pose a threat to the woodland beyond our boundary. A further three are non-native species, leaving an additional three being removed.”
Convener Ian Massie questioned why this particular site had been chosen for the development.
Jack explained: “Land is hard to come by. We are in a position at the moment where we are leasing three buildings. That is not a particularly efficient way of operating a business, particularly one that is a responsible retailer and producer of alcohol. To have a single site operation is the ultimate ambition for us.
“That site in particular has a long, established and evidenced history of industrial use. It was the town’s original livestock auction mart.”
Councillors unanimously granted planning approval.
Nine years after Jack’s brother Conall began brewing beer in his parents’ garage in a 25-litre plastic bottle, the brothers now brew 25,000 litres a month, exporting beer to 13 countries.
