A Cleethorpes onshore salmon farm, costing £120 million, has been given development approval after a judicial review sustained the council’s decision, despite animal welfare concerns raised by Animal Equality UK. The animal rights group led a legal challenge focusing on animal welfare, which was ultimately dismissed by Deputy High Court Judge Karen Ridge. However, Judge Ridge did acknowledge these concerns may have an impactful role in future planning considerations.
Proposed by Aquacultured Seafood LTD, the salmon farm is planned to span a 10-acre location at New Clee and has an objective of processing 5,000 tonnes of salmon each year. The development is projected to create over 300 jobs, 100 of which will be permanent, substantially contributing to the employment rates in North East Lincolnshire. Although originally approved by a council vote in November 2023, the project was delayed thanks to a judicial review process launched in September.
Philip Jackson, North East Lincolnshire Council’s leader, has voiced positive sentiments for the proposal, valuing it as a promising avenue for economic growth and sustainable aquaculture. Equally, Aquacultured’s director, Mark Berthet, underscored the historic significance of the fishing industry in this region. He focused on the industry’s role in local job provision and in nurturing community pride.
Despite the legal challenge not falling in their favour, Animal Equality UK’s executive director, Abigail Penny, promised to persist in opposing the project. She criticised the project as a “corporate land grab” and committed to maintaining their advocacy undertakings.
This article has been edited from the original report found on www.bbc.com by The Lincoln Post.
