Proposals for the UK’s first onshore salmon farm have been given the green light, but plans to build the new facility on top of a ‘nature oasis’ and very close to homes in Cleethorpes have angered some residents.
Aquacultured Seafood Ltd aims to produce 5,000 tonnes of salmon per year on the 10-acre site, describing the project as a ground-breaking innovation for the fish industry.
North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) voted 7–4 in favour of the fish farm in November 2023. However, the charity Animal Equality UK delayed construction by taking the council to court, resulting in a judicial review over concerns about fish welfare.
Now, a High Court judge has sided with NELC and Aquacultured Seafood Ltd, allowing the plans to proceed. Despite the ruling, residents remain concerned about salmon welfare, habitat destruction, and the impact on their lives. They, alongside Animal Equality UK, have vowed to continue fighting “until the bitter end.”
Gi Grimsby News spoke to residents and campaigners to hear their views.
One resident, Martin, lives close to the proposed site and expressed concern about the impact the development could have on animal welfare.
“Salmon are built to travel thousands of miles across oceans,” he said. “But would be kept static. It’s worse than how they treat battery chickens.”
Using Aquacultured’s own marketing materials, Martin calculated that “60 kg of fish will be held in one cubic metre of water.” He compared the cramped conditions to “three airline baggage allowances crammed into a small chest freezer.”
Residents are also worried the development will devastate the area’s wildlife.
John, a keen local naturalist who has visited the site—an important location for migratory birds—for 45 years, said: “There is nothing like it for miles around. It is the only really wild place left. Roe deer live on the site, and there is no way they will survive. Butterflies such as the Essex Skipper and the Small Copper can also be seen here.” John recalled spotting uncommon birds such as the Russian White-Spotted Bluethroat at the wildlife haven.
Julie, who lives just yards from the site, said she “loves looking over to see the wildlife.” She described watching swifts screeching overhead to feed—now on the UK’s red list of endangered birds, with a population decline of 62% between 1995 and 2021. Julie added that the area is also used by owls, bats, badgers, and foxes.
“People don’t realise what is there and how beautiful the view can be with wildlife and boats in the dark, it looks lovely,” Julie said.
She also raised concerns about how close the factory would be to her home and feels residents’ concerns are being ignored.
Another resident told Gi Grimsby News: “It’s the wrong place, shoehorned in with complete disregard for people.” He felt that “all money for regeneration goes south of the rock groyne” in Cleethorpes.
Kim, another local resident who has questioned the council’s decision to place the factory next to housing instead of at the docks, recalled a visit by the now Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, who remarked that the site was the wrong location.
“Why can’t they build it on the docks and leave the wildlife alone?” said Kim.
Residents described feeling crushed by the High Court’s decision – but many remain determined to continue their opposition, suggesting the salmon farm saga is far from over.
(Image: Submitted)
Roy Horobin
Joined the Gi Grimsby News team in 2025.