Council raise no objection to Glen Earrach hydro scheme near Loch Ness

During the debate, councillors heard the project would take eight years to construct.

On the busiest days there could be 178 lorry movements per day on local roads to and from the site, as well as barges on Loch Ness removing excavated rock.

A camp for a thousand workers would also be created near the upper reservoir.

Councillors raised concerns about damage from lorries to local roads and the loss of native woodland.

Planning officials said there would be a “wear and tear” agreement on repairs to roads, and impact on woodland had been reduced as far as possible.

Highland Alliance councillor Duncan Macpherson asked what efforts would be made to camouflage the dam’s outer wall.

Officials said there was a possibility the stone face could be seeded with moss and lichens, but this would be dependent on how steep the wall was.

In a submission to the committee, Scotland’s nature body, NatureScot, said the development could go ahead subject to conditions.

These include improvements to Ness Weir, external, also known as Dochfour Weir, which plays a part in controlling water levels on the loch, River Ness and Caledonian Canal.

Before the meeting, Ness District Salmon Fishery Board director Brian Shaw said the hydro-electric scheme’s effect on water levels would cause “irreversible” damage to the ecology of the loch and river.

He told BBC Scotland News the “industrialisation” of Loch Ness would also harm its world-wide reputation as one of the most popular visitor destinations in Scotland.

Roderick MacLeod, director of Glen Earrach Energy, said the company was “extremely grateful” for the planning committee’s support.

He said: “Glen Earrach is a major opportunity for the Highlands.

“It can create jobs and investment, deliver lasting benefits for local communities and provide nationally important energy infrastructure that will serve Scotland for generations.”

MacLeod added: “Today’s support is an important step forward, and one we do not take for granted.”