Orkney Islands Council’s planning committee approved the project with the additional recommendation that the integrity of the 20m buffer zone be protected by moving the pedestrian path to follow the line of the emergency road and that appropriate lighting by installed there.

Cathie Cowan, NHS Orkney chief executive, said: “The Board is delighted that Robertson has achieved this important milestone, which, with the approval of the Board’s Full Business Case by Scottish Government last month, allows us to finalise the contract in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing a start on site in the very near future.”

The hospital has previously won the backing of the Scottish Government which approved the health board’s business case last month.

Robertson Capital Projects was awarded a contract for the delivery of the new build in June this year and will manage the design, construction and maintenance of the facility.

Keppie Design has been appointed as architects, while AECOM and TUV SUD make up the rest of the successful team.

Neil McCormick, managing director, Robertson Capital Projects, added: “We are delighted that the planning application was presented with recommendation for approval at today’s meeting. Our team has worked extensively with OIC planning officials since our appointment as Preferred Bidder, and I believe today’s formal approval reflects those positive engagement efforts.

“Working in close collaboration with NHS Orkney we have continued to foster positive relationships with local stakeholders as part of our commitment to community benefits, and we look forward to continuing this close working relationship with all parties as we deliver a building of the highest design and quality standards for the NHS and Orcadian community.”

NHS Orkney is now working to finalise the legal and commercial agreements as soon as possible to reach financial close.