Bid by Mowi Scotland Ltd to add two circular cages with a 120m circumference at Upper Loch Torridon set for determination at Highland Council north planning applications committee
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A CONTROVERSIAL expansion of a Ross-shire fish farm at a Wester Ross beauty spot is set to be decided at an area planning committee meeting next week.
Fish farm giant Mowi Scotland Ltd is seeking to add two circular cages with a 120m circumference at at Upper Loch Torridon, a move which has raised worries over the impact on the marine environment as well as light and noise pollutions.
Residents in the area and Torridon and Kinlochewe Community Council (TKCC) have also highlighted how the pens were already put in place before the committee's decision, calling out for a breach of planning.
In their objection comment, TKCC's chair Caroline Hamilton wrote that the increase of the number of pens would impact local marine environment due to increased quantity of anti-fouling chemicals for net washing, more of the seabed set to be damaged and more litter.
She wrote: "Already miles of black fish farm pipe is routinely washed up on our coastline, and this proposal will only lead to more. It is a hazard to local boats and a terrible eyesore."
Another reason for TKCC's objections is the "loss of amenity, light pollution and noise", including the potential loss of night sky due to new lighting.
She wrote: "Our area is rightly famous for its dark night sky, is promoted by many including the Wester Ross Biosphere, and is major draw for many visitors.
"TKCC recently conducted a community survey that was completed by approx. 50 per cent of the population. Almost everyone said the natural environment was one of the top three things they like about living in the area. 57 per cent said they would like to see a reduction in environmentally damaging aquaculture. This application flies in the face of the community's wishes and represents a further loss of amenity."
However the north planning applications committee is being advised to grant Mowi's planning application, as relevant consultees including Nature Scot, Marine Science Scotland, SEPA and did not raise any objection to the plans.
Arguments in favour of the extension were the support to local businesses and employees and the positive impact to fish welfare that the development would bring.
NatureScot advised for an assessment required in respect of the freshwater pearl mussels's conservation area within the River Kerry, however that they believe the proposal would not have a negative impact on the site.
They added: "There are natural heritage interests of international importance adjacent to the site, but in our view, these will not be adversely affected by the proposal.
"The proposal will give rise to a slight negative localised impact however this is not so substantial as to have an adverse effect on the integrity of the Wester Ross National Scenic Area or the objective of its designation."
