A copy of the Council's report can be read here
A controversial plan for a new fish farm north of Carradale looks to have split the village into two camps and will go to a public hearing on Friday 6th November at 10.30am
There are two sides to the argument which has split the community;
> a new fish farm will bring employment to the village. A possible six jobs could be created.
> or the other side of the argument is in favour of preserving the unspoilt views and waters of Kilbrannon Sound.
The two sides of the argument appear to be split on broad geographical grounds with the majority of those in favour living in the village of Carradle and those against from Grogport and north.
Argyll and Bute Council planners were deluged with representations both for and against the proposed salmon farm at Eilean Grianain in the Kilbrannon Sound. And an eleventh hour petition with over 200 signatures against the plan was gathered by the North East Kintyre Consortium, Planning official Angus Gilmour told the council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee in Oban last week. He recommended a discretionary hearing be held, given the strength of feeling the proposals had created.
Ocean Shells Ltd wants to install 14 fish farm cages with a pontoon and food storage area and a service barge to be serviced from Carradale Harbour.
Both East Kintyre and Campbeltown Community Councils are for the plan, as it will bring jobs to the area.
It is going to be a tough one for them to decide; hence the calling for a hearing and for councillors to see the site and hear from local people first hand.
There could be other fish farm planning applications for a stretch further up the coast. Lease applications have been made to the Crown Estate for two, 14-cage cod farms, but these plans have yet to be decided by the council.
Planning officials recommended that the application be granted; it is now for objectors to sway the committee.
Objections have been raised by the Scottish Sea Trout Group, wild salmon interests and locals concerned about the visual impact on the stretch of coast.
The loss of a view is not a classed as a planning concern and Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency have not objected to the plans
The meeting will be held on November 6 at 10.30am.
A copy of the Council's report can be read here