The company which makes the famous Isle of Mull Cheese is to build a housing development for its workers.
J &C Reade and Sons, the family business which owns Sgriob-ruadh Farm where the famous cheese is made, has had a master plan approved.
The farm and dairy wants to develop its land south of Lephain, at Tobermory on the Dervaig road.
There will be 12 houses, six of which will be for affordable rent for workers, and an area to allow for business expansion.
Brendan Reade said: “The development is principally to support the farm cheese making business. The island biscuit bakery, owned by my brother Joe, will benefit a bit as well.
“It is outline planning consent, and will be an expensive project. It will take many years to do everything. Initially we have just gone for a couple of houses built for the people who live in caravans.
“I have about 12 members of staff and three live in caravans. Providing accommodation will allow me to recruit and retain staff.
“I am currently speaking to a skilled cheese maker who will only come to Mull if there is somewhere for them to stay.”
The development will include land for business expansion, a road and footpath network and landscaping.
Chairman of Argyll and Bute Council’s Oban, Lorn and the isles area committee, and member of the planning committee, Councillor Roddy McCuish said: “This is great news for the area. I particularly welcome the creation of affordable housing units for local employees. We want industrial developments because they create jobs but we need to ensure that there is modern, warm and safe housing for the people doing the jobs. One is intrinsically linked to the other and I am pleased to see this common sense approach being taken.
“The local planning officers have worked with the architects throughout the process of developing this plan, providing them with high quality, professional advice at every stage. Our planning service works proactively with private developers, guiding them through the process and ensuring their designs are appropriate.”
Policy lead for planning, Councillor David Kinniburgh, said: “This is a real good news story for the area and will allow for the site to be developed in a sensible, sustainable way which benefits both the developer and the community.”
A phased approach will be taken.