Setback for salmon farm company - and NELC - as animal welfare charity wins early court battle

                                                                 

The land earmarked for an intensive salmon-rearing 'farm' 

THERE has been a setback for the company that wants to build an intensive salmon-rearing 'farm' on a site of wildlife interest behind the Blundell Park home of Grimsby Town FC.

Although the controversial project was granted planning consent by North East Lincolnshire Council at a meeting last November, the decision has subsequently been challenged by the charity, Animal Equality.

It maintains that councillors were incorrectly advised that the welfare of animals was not a planning consideration.

In recommending approval, the case officer  had told committee members: "Concerns regarding fish welfare and the moral concerns of fish farming are not considered to be material  planning considerations. 

"Indeed, the proposal is akin to other well-established  intensive livestock units such as for chickens, turkeys and pigs."

Animal Equality's challenge was upheld by Judge Penelope Belcher at a hearing in Leeds of the High Court, and the case will now proceed to a full judicial review.

The review, at a date to be fixed, will determine if the councillors had been misdirected or whether the case officer's opinion had been correct.

If a subsequent hearing deems NELC's November planning decision was unlawful, the salmon farm application will have to go back to a future planning meeting to be re-assessed.

The executive director of Animal Equality, Abigail Penny, has expressed delight at Judge Belcher's ruling.

"This is the first critical step in sparing millions of animals a lifetime of misery," she said.

The company behind the project, Aquacultured Seafood Ltd, has declined to comment pending the outcome of the judicial proceedings.

Also tight-lipped - at least so far - is North East Lincolnshire Council which contested Animal Equality's application for a review.   

The planning hold-up is likely to please nearby residents who have expressed concern about potential smell and noise from the proposed fish farm.

There will also be relief - at least for the time being - from wildlife enthusiasts concerned about industrial development on a site notable both for its rare migrant birds (including red-backed shrike and bluethroat) and for its huge number of  butterfly species (including the vanishing scarce Wall butterfly.

                                           

A moment savour for  animal welfare trio (from left) barrister Alex Shattock, solicitor Edi Bowles and Abigail Penny