Salmon farmer halves size of proposed Arran farm
The Scottish Salmon Company (SSC) has reduced the size of a proposed farm off the north east coast of the isle of Arran in order to secure planning permission, according to a report on the website of The Arran Banner newspaper.
SSC has cut the number of pens from 20 to 12, reducing maximum allowed biomass from 5,000 tonnes to 2,300 tonnes.
The revised planning application is expected to go before the North Ayrshire planning committee in early December.
Dozens of protest letters have been lodged against the planned farm, reported the Banner.
Opposition has been led by the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST), a well-organised group with paid staff and a policy against new salmon farms.
30-year history
SSC, owned by Faroese salmon farmer Bakkafrost, told the Banner: “SSC has links with salmon farming on Arran stretching back more than 30 years. Throughout this project, we have actively consulted with a range of stakeholders, including members of the community, North Ayrshire Council, SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency), NatureScot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage), Marine Scotland, the District Salmon Fishery Board and Fisheries Management Scotland. This feedback has been crucial in shaping our plans.
“This revised proposal still delivers significant economic and social benefits to Arran and the wider economy. The new employment and investment generated by this site will help support the island’s communities in a time of economic uncertainty.
“We take our stewardship of the local environment very seriously and the proposed site will adhere to the very highest levels of environmental care and management.”
