Argyll and Bute Council’s planning committee has refused applications from Mowi to upgrade and relocate its two salmon farms at Carradale, overturning a recommendation for approval from planning officers.
The company had proposed replacing 10 pens of 120-metre circumference with six 160-metre pens at each of Carradale North and Carradale South, alongside a minor eastward relocation into deeper water. Councillors voted 6–3 against the North Carradale plan and 6–4 against the South Carradale plan.
Councillor John Armour, who proposed refusal, said gaps in available data on fishing vessels under 12 metres made it difficult to assess the impact on local fleets. He warned the relocation would cause “an unacceptable exclusion of commercial fishing activity” from an important fishing ground.
The Clyde Fishermen’s Association objected to the proposal, stating that moving the farms eastward would cut into the main trawling routes used by local vessels.
However, Steve Barlow, managing director of Oban-based Aquasky Ltd, disputed that claim in a submission to planners. He said seabed conditions in the area make prawn trawling impossible at depths above 100 metres and scallop dredging uneconomical, adding that the proposed extension would remain within the 80-metre contour and therefore not affect mobile bottom trawling.
Mowi has not indicated whether it will appeal the decision or submit a revised application. Both farms will continue operating under their existing configurations.
