Grimsby land-based salmon farm gets green light again

Plans for the UK’s first large land-based salmon farm are back on track after the failure of a judicial review driven by anti-salmon farming campaign groups.

AquaCultured Seafood Ltd (ASL) won planning permission from North East Lincolnshire Council for a 5,000-tonnes-per-year land-based salmon farm between Grimsby and Cleethorpes in November 2023.

But last September that decision was challenged by vegan activists Animal Equity UK, and a review was granted on the basis of animal welfare claims.

Successful rebuttal

Today, ASL announced that construction will now be able to proceed, following North East Lincolnshire Council’s successful rebuttal of the judicial review of the planning application.

The company plans to produce Atlantic salmon annually in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) which will be built on a former railway siding at New Clee.

The development will involve the creation of more than 300 local jobs, including approximately 100 permanent, long-term jobs.

Creating employment

By creating employment and using local contractors, ASL said it is supporting the fish processing community of the North East. 

As part of the approved plans, ASL has pledged its commitment to advancing responsible seafood practices and striving to ensure the environmental, social and economic performance of the sector. 

“The fishing industry has long been a source of employment for North East Lincolnshire residents, providing not only income, but a sense of pride and community, and we intend to ensure that it continues," said ASL director Mike Berthet.

“Grimsby is a leader in the UK and European seafood industry and is helping to meet the growing demand for food security. Grimsby will now be at the very forefront of the UK’s land-based aquaculture industry.”