On February 12, legal representatives from the NGO Animal Equality UK and North East Lincolnshire Council presented their respective arguments to Judge Karen Ridge at Leeds Combined Court. A verdict is expected in the coming weeks.
In November 2023, backed by Aqua Cultured Seafood, the council approved the construction of a large-scale onshore salmon farm on the outskirts of Grimsby docks. This facility would mark the first of its kind in the UK, with a production capacity of 5,000 tonnes of fish annually.
During the hearing, Animal Equality UK’s attorneys—Advocates for Animals and Alex Shattock from Landmark Chambers—argued that the council’s planning committee was incorrectly and unlawfully advised that animal welfare could not be considered a ‘material land use consideration’. Consequently, they asserted that the planning approval for the farm should be revoked due to the reliance on unlawful guidance.
Aqua Cultured Seafood stated during the application process that the farm would create jobs and attract investment to “one of the most deprived areas in the UK,” emphasizing that its location near existing food processing facilities would substantially reduce food miles.
‘Factory farming’ Concerns
Abigail Penny, executive director of Animal Equality UK, highlighted that this case underscores the necessity for a thorough reevaluation of large-scale aquaculture initiatives in the UK.
“We urge all local authorities to seriously consider whether it is wise to grant planning permission for new onshore fish farm proposals, in light of the severe animal welfare risks that such proposals carry and the considerations highlighted during this case,” Penny stated.
“The alarming harm caused to animals, our environment, and to investors associated with on-land salmon farms are not isolated to this one site and demand national attention.”
Furthermore, Penny likened the farm’s designs to those commonly used for factory farming in livestock rearing.
“Factory farming is harmful and controversial on a number of levels; it would be foolish for us to not learn from these mistakes and to allow a new form of intensive animal agriculture to emerge,” she argued.
“These land-based farms are experimental, overcrowded, energy and water-intensive, and renowned for ‘mass mortality events’ where thousands of animals die due to failing equipment or worker error.”
