The Beinn Reithe, Loch Long salmon farm planning application was previously rejected by the Loch Lomond National Park Authority and subsequently appealed by Loch Long Salmon. However instead of the decision being made by Scottish Government Reporters, ministers stated that the “new technology” being considered “raises issues of national significance” therefore the exceptional step was taken for the application to be “called-in”, for the planning decision to be made by Scottish ministers.
AFFtheClyde was told in February that “Scottish Ministers will issue a decision as soon as possible. The report will be made available to interested parties at the time of the decision.” However almost 9 months later, no decision has been made.
The planning application recommendations were submitted by the DPEA Reporter to Scottish Ministers on 15 February, 2024 and today got a mention at the Scottish Government’s inquiry into salmon fishing in Scotland.
Rural Affairs and Islands Committee convener, Finlay Carson asked Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon “We received correspondence from Loch Long Salmon Company. Where a planning application for a semi enclosed caged farming system, which is innovative, and might address some (of the) issues we’ve got. It’s been sitting with the Scottish government for two years and still waiting for approval or otherwise. So is there also an issue in the Scottish government when it comes to planning issues?”
Mairi Gougeon replied “I can’t comment on that as that’s not an area that I deal with and that would either be led by I presume, the planning minister who would be taking a determination on that. So again, it’s not for me to comment.”
So, the wait continues!