Alvance Aluminium, which is part of GFG Alliance, announced the proposed investment package to transform the site into a new recycling and casting facility back in November.

The new facility will produce 80ktpa of long, round shapes (billets) for the domestic construction sector which currently relies heavily on imports. To support the developments Alvance is also proposing significant upgrades to the nearby port of Corpach to improve efficiency of material flow.

Industrial group GFG Alliance gained planning permission for a near-£130m alloy wheel manufacturing facility at the site in January 2018 but the Keppie-designed project was put on hold due to uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the UK car industry.

Alvance said the new developments would secure the long-term future of the Fort William aluminium smelter, safeguarding 200 local jobs and creating around 70 new roles.

Brian King, president at Alvance, said: “We welcome the Highland Council’s decision on our plans to expand Lochaber’s existing low-carbon operations.

“I would like to thank everyone from the local community who took part and shared their views in the public consultation particularly as Covid restrictions meant we had to carry it out online.

“Our focus will now turn to studying and fulfilling the various planning conditions associated with the consent which need to be met before taking the project forward.”