Proposals for a salmon farm using new technology on Loch Long have been recommended for refusal by planners.
The Loch Long Salmon Company’s plan for Beinn Reithe near Arrochar would be the first in the UK to use a semi-closed containment system.
The company says that it also has plans for a further four sites on the west coast, each creating at least 12 full-time equivalent jobs and contributing £100,000 to local community causes.
Because of the level of public interest – to date there have been 202 objections and 72 comments in support – Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority is holding a meeting of its full board to decide on the plan on October 31.
And a report by planning officials recommends that board members, who will have the final say, refuse the plan, saying it conflicts with the statutory aims of the national park and would not relate well to the landscape.
It adds: “The development would have an industrial appearance in an area of undeveloped coastline.
“The development would not safeguard visual amenity and important views and would not protect or enhance the rich landscape character of the national park.
“The development would adversely impact the special landscape qualities for which the national park has been designated.”
It adds: “The technology proposed has not been trialled in Scotland and there are inherent risks from an escape incident to wild salmon populations which are already fragile.”
The plan includes:
- Shorebase building and storage areas; oxygen storage vessels; feed silos; water treatment plant; mortality handling station/ensilage; a slipway; a pontoon; grid connection and generators; and a car park and HGV turning area.
- Four circular marine enclosures and one square harvesting facility and pipes bundled together providing power and oxygen and removing waste and transferring data. Each marine enclosure would have a float collar which would house control cabinets, pipes, splashboard, access platforms and would include a walkway with handrail. Bird nets supported by poles would extend above the float collar.
- Road upgrades including widening and the installation of additional passing places. A new section of access track is proposed.
The plan has split MSPs from the SNP and Conservatives, who support it, from Green party MSPs, who have objected.
SNP MSP Jenny Minto, who represents the neighbouring Argyll and Bute constituency, submitted a comment in favour and her fellow SNP MSP Angus Robertson wrote a letter of support, along with Conservatives Pam Gosal and Donald Cameron.
But Greens Ross Greer and Ariane Burgess called for the plan to be rejected.
Arrochar and Tarbet Community Council was in favour, while Ardentinny and Cove & Kilcreggan community councils objected.
The full report to the national park meeting is here: ppDRsV-Agenda-Item-4-Major-Planning-Proposed-Fish-Farm-at-Beinn-Reithe-Loch-Long
A separate planning application has also been made to Argyll and Bute Council – the reference number for that is 21/02455/MFF and details are available on the council’s website.
Leave a Reply