Cleethorpes £75m salmon farm plans recommended for approval

The proposed development has been recommended for approval

Plans for a £75m onshore salmon farm in Cleethorpes have been recommended for approval, despite objections.

AquaCultured Seafood Ltd wants to build the facility close to Grimsby Town FC's Blundell Park ground to produce 5,000 tonnes of salmon per year.

The developer said 100 jobs would be created if the proposal for England's first onshore salmon farm was approved.

Critics have raised concerns about its environmental impact, proximity to housing and the resort's beach.

The 10 acre (40,000 sq m) development would comprise 50 tanks.

The officer's report found the scheme would not generate "any significant noise" and effluent from the site would be treated to a very high standard.

It would not cause harm to residential or business properties, or the visual character of the area, and tree planting and habitats for insects would be introduced, it added.

The report also acknowledged the scheme would provide "a significant economic investment into the area".

Moral concerns over fish farming are not considered as material planning considerations, with the proposal as such likened to intensive livestock units, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, more than 30 residents have objected, with concerns being raised about the close proximity to the resort's beach, properties and the impact on wildlife.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust has also lodged a holding objection, not necessarily opposing the scheme, but requesting more detail about the potential loss of local wildlife habitat and the possible impact on the Humber Estuary.

North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee is due to meet on Wednesday to consider the application.