Legal challenge launched against Cleethorpes salmon farm approval.
A judicial review has been launched against North East Lincolnshire Council’s decision to approve the construction of a £120 million land-based salmon farm in Cleethorpes.
The case, brought by Animal Equality UK, was heard at Leeds Combined Court on 12 February, where legal representatives from the NGO and the council presented arguments before Judge Karen Ridge. A verdict is expected in the coming weeks.
The farm, backed by Aqua Cultured Seafood, was approved in November 2023 and would be the UK’s first large-scale land-based salmon facility, with an annual production capacity of 5,000 tonnes.
Animal Equality UK, represented by Advocates for Animals and Alex Shattock of Landmark Chambers, argued that the council’s planning committee was wrongly advised that animal welfare could not be considered as a material factor in land use decisions. They claim this unlawful guidance invalidates the approval and are seeking to have it overturned.
The Grimsby facility, located near Blundell Park, home to Grimsby Town FC, spans 10 acres at the Port of Grimsby. It is designed to include 50 tanks with both freshwater and saltwater environments to house the salmon during their production cycle. Alongside the tanks, the facility will feature a fish processing line, feed storage units, a water treatment plant, and a dedicated energy center.
AquaCultured Seafood’s ambitious project was hailed as a significant investment in the region, projected to create 80 full-time jobs at full operational capacity and provide further employment opportunities during the construction phase. The development has been supported by multiple firms, including UMC Architects and Montagu Evans, and is part of a broader initiative to boost Grimsby’s position as a major hub for the seafood industry.
The project has faced scrutiny since its approval, with opposition from animal rights groups and local campaigners raising concerns over environmental impact and fish welfare. Land-based salmon farming remains relatively new in the UK, with no large-scale facilities currently in operation.
