Green light for salmon-rearing 'farm' despite concerns over impact on environment and wildlife

The land earmarked for the scheme is between Blundell Park and the estuary wall

A CONTROVERSIAL proposal   to build a salmon-rearing farm near Cleethorpes seafront was today given the green light.

It is claimed  by applicants ASL Ltd that the project will create 80 skilled jobs and supply "healthy, nutritious and responsibly farmed food".

But, following the hearing, Abigail Penny, executive director of  Animal Equality UK, expressed dismay. "It’s a very disappointing outcome - not just for the fish but also for the environment".

During this morning’s meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council’s planning committee, Cllr Steve Holland reminded colleagues the land earmarked for the project is a designated Local Wildlife Site.

But his call for the application to be deferred for an Environmental Impact Assessment was rejected by seven votes to four.

According to planning officers, there will be "mitigation" in the form of shrub-planting to compensate for the loss of wildflowers, butterflies and scarce migrant birds such as shrikes.

By the same margin, the committee then approved the project for which a start is proposed next year.

Earlier in the debate, Cllr Henry Hudson expressed "shock" that anyone should object to what he described as "an absolutely marvellous scheme".

Similar enthusiasm was sounded by Cllr Ian Lindley who declared: "This will be a massive boost to the local economy - what’s not to like?"

• Keep checking this site for updates on the scheme.