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Search the Public Notice PortalA FORMER trout farm is being converted to produce salmon.
Coldwater Salmon Ltd has taken on Barford Fish Farm near Downton, which was operated by Trafalgar Fisheries for trout until March.
The new tenant has received authorisation to change the farmed species to salmon.
It has also applied to build a huge canopy over three concrete-lined ponds to stop pollutants (such as bird droppings) from entering the water and harming the fish, with a decision expected by Wiltshire Council in October.
The structure would also prevent external light from reaching the ponds, meaning artificial lighting can instead be used to control the environment.
A series of green ponds that are connected to the River Avon will not be used.
Coldwater Salmon already runs a land-based salmon farm in Switzerland.
The facility, Swiss Lachs, was founded in 2013 and uses a closed-loop system that requires no chemicals or antibiotics.
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Coldwater Salmon says all waste is recycled and does not enter natural waterways and said the closed system ‘completely eliminates’ the risk of fish escaping into the marine environment and disease transmission.
Founder Julian Connor said: “We have a responsibility to produce food in a way that is not only efficient but also respects our planet.
“Our farm is a testament to the idea that a high-tech, sustainable model can deliver premium-quality salmon without compromising our oceans.
“We are excited to bring this new era of aquaculture to the UK.”
The canopy planning application has received 196 comments.
There have been objections from London and Netherlands-based environmental charity Foodrise, national organisation Green Britain Foundation and Downton not-for-profit For the Love of Water (FLOW), plus individuals.
Letters of support for the scheme cite the farm's decades-long use for trout farming and argue the canopy will protect fish from harmful bacteria and viruses.
