St Cyrus whisky stores approved despite 'explosion' fears from concerned neighbours

Three farm sheds near St Cyrus will soon be used to store casks of whisky, despite fears they could pose serious health risks to those living next door.

Chapelton-based Snowdrop Developments lodged the plans with Aberdeenshire Council on behalf of a mystery client who claims to have customers across the globe.

Applicant Ross Foster revealed the unknown whisky company has 8,500 whisky casks stored in 34 locations across Scotland. But, they argued they needed the St Cyrus site to allow their business to grow.

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Mr Foster said his clients were attracted to the north-east site due to its rural location and the fresh, clean coastal air. Under the plan, three agricultural sheds, last used to store grain and farming machinery will be used to store the booze.

Up to three members of staff would be on hand to take care of the stock. Meanwhile, the firm is eyeing up plans to convert the existing roundhouse on the farm site into a whisky tasting room.

But the proposal was met with some opposition as nine letters of objection were sent to Aberdeenshire Council. The application went before members of the Kincardine and Mearns area committee recently.

Neighbour Michael Ellery revealed he lives just seven metres away from one of the barns. The objector raised concerns for his health, safety and wellbeing – and warned of a “potential disaster” at the site.

Mr Ellery explained: “Whisky is highly flammable and ethanol given off by the maturation process is explosive and highly toxic. If a fire or explosion occurs, our roofs will be blown off.”

The neighbour also believed the barns were “not fit for purpose”. Meanwhile fellow objector Pat Bailey also raised health worries. She has lived in Commieston for 13 years and admitted she “never felt at risk or at harm” from work carried out at the farm.

But she feared this would all change if the whisky storage plan went ahead. Mrs Bailey claimed there would be a “significant” impact on residents’ health due to potential ethanol vapors.

She told the committee those living around the site would not be able to open their windows again due to multiple health risks. Mrs Bailey explained: “These vapors cause skin irritation, damage to eyes, shortage of breath, sickness and vomiting.

“We’ve done extensive research, we’re not stupid and we’re not overreacting. We want businesses to survive but we are trying to protect our lives and homes.”

The fearful neighbour also voiced her concerns that black mould would stain the surrounding buildings. But senior planner Gregor Spence tried to quell any safety concerns by likening the development to a household boiler.

He explained: “When operated properly, there shouldn’t be any significant risk of fire, explosion or any type of safety measure.” Mr Spence noted comments from the council’s environmental health team, who said that the health risks of inhaling or swallowing ethanol are “considered to be limited”.

Following debate, councillor George Carr suggested the plan be approved. He said: “The age of these casks being stored would mean less emissions in this instance. I’m not seeing much else we can refuse on.”

The committee went on to unanimously grant the application.