Bakkafrost to appeal refusal of Lewis salmon farm proposal.
Salmon producer Bakkafrost Scotland is preparing to appeal a decision by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to refuse planning consent for a new salmon farm on the east coast of Lewis.
Earlier this month, councillors rejected the proposal for five pens of 200 metres circumference at a site off North Gravir, overturning a recommendation from planning officials to approve the development.
The local authority cited concerns about the potential impact on historically important and economically productive fishing grounds.
The Western Isles Fishermen’s Association said in its submission to the planning process that the site had “consistently provided large volumes of prawns, scallops, and brown crab”, all landed locally and supporting long-term employment. The association argued the development would represent the “biggest ever loss” of prolific commercial fishing grounds that had been “harvested sustainably for generations”.
In its Environmental Impact Assessment, submitted as part of the application, Bakkafrost Scotland said the proposed farm would create five permanent jobs and contribute around £1m per year to the Scottish economy. The assessment acknowledged there could be “a degree of displacement of fishing effort”, but said any impact would be negligible.
A spokesperson for Bakkafrost Scotland said the company was disappointed by the planning board’s decision and confirmed that it intended to appeal.
“Bakkafrost has a long and proud history of operating in the Western Isles,” the spokesperson said. “We have engaged extensively with stakeholders and carefully considered all feedback. This development would support the long-term sustainability of our operations in the area.”
