Bakkafrost to appeal decision refusing fish farm off Lewis

Salmon producer Bakkafrost is set to appeal a decision by Western Isles local authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to refuse consent for a new fish farm on the east coast of Lewis.

Earlier this month councillors went against the recommendation of planning officials and rejected the proposal for five 200m (656ft) circumference pens at a site off North Gravir.

Concern had been voiced about the potential impact of the farm on historically important and economically productive fishing grounds.

Bakkafrost Scotland said the development would boost the economy and the impact on fishing would be "negligible".

Western Isles Fishermen's Association (WIFA) said in its response to the planning application the development had been proposed for an area that had "consistently provided large volumes of prawns, scallops, and brown crab".

It said all the catch was landed locally, creating long-term sustainable employment opportunities.

WIFA claimed the development would lead to the "biggest ever loss" to the Scottish fishing industry of prolific commercial fishing grounds that had been "harvested sustainably for generations".

In its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), produced as part of the planning application, Bakkafrost Scotland said its proposed farm would create five permanent jobs and contribute £1m per year to the Scottish economy.

The EIA acknowledged there could potentially be "a degree of displacement of fishing effort" but said this would be negligible.

A spokesperson said they were disappointed by the decision of the comhairle's planning board and intended to appeal.

They said: "Bakkafrost has a long and proud history of operating in the Western Isles.

"We have engaged extensively with stakeholders and carefully considered all feedback.

"This development would support the long-term sustainability of our operations in the area."

Reporting by local democracy journalist Peter Urpeth.