The Banner (Arran, Scotland), March 7, 2008

HUGE FISH FARM REJECTED

[Rachel's introduction: A jubilant COAST spokesman said: "We welcome this democratic decision by the councillors of North Ayrshire Council to apply the 'precautionary principle' by refusing the massive fish farm next to the no-take zone."]

A decision to reject a giant fish farm plan on Arran has been greeted with elation by objectors including the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST).

North Ayrshire Council's council chambers were packed on Tuesday for the planning meeting, with people opposed to the siting of the salmon fish farm by Marine Harvest at Clauchlands near to a recently announced no-take zone in Lamlash Bay.

The meeting was highly charged and the matter debated for nearly two hours and although the recommendation was to grant the application, the committee voted by 9-2 to recommend refusal. The matter now goes to the Crown Estate. An unresolved objection from Scottish Natural Heritage, which is a statutory consultee, remains.

Arran councillor Margie Currie had voted in favour of the application and expressed disappointment, as did Marine Harvest.

If the go-ahead had been given the fish farm would have been one of Scotland's largest.

COAST has campaigned for years for a no-take zone in Lamlash Bay to allow for the regeneration of marine life, particularly scallops.

A jubilant COAST spokesman said: 'We welcome this democratic decision by the councillors of North Ayrshire Council to apply the 'precautionary principle' by refusing the massive fish farm next to the no-take zone.

'We look forward to a secure future of the marine environment for future generations of islanders.'

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