Cleethorpes £75m salmon farm plans approved despite objections

Work on the onshore salmon farm in Cleethorpes is expected to begin in 2024, the developer says

Plans for a £75m onshore salmon farm in Cleethorpes have been approved, despite objections to the proposals.

The 10-acre (40,000 sq m) development would produce 5,000 tonnes of fish per year, according to the developer AquaCultured Seafood Ltd (ASL).

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

The proposals were approved by North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee on Wednesday.

An officers' report to councillors had 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, the report added.

'Major milestone'

The developer said 100 jobs would be created at the site near Grimsby.

Speaking after the decision, Mike Berthet, a founding member of ASL, said: "Today was a major milestone in our journey to establishing a new, responsible and sustainable form of fish farming in the UK.

"As someone who has worked in the local fishing industry for 40 years, I am delighted Grimsby continues to be a leader in this sector," he added.

Work on the site was expected to begin in 2024, the developer said.