A MOVE to build the first onshore fish farm of its kind in the country on Portland is nearing reality after it was recommended for approval.

In the latest plan to help regenerate Portland’s economy, the aquaculture unit from Landfish Ltd based on vacant scrubland next to Balaclava Bay would rear up to 200 tonnes of mainly turbot per year in indoor tanks, making use of ‘recirculation’ environmentally-friendly technology to grow saltwater fish.

The project is designed to open up modern environmental techniques recognised in the ‘fast-developing' aquaculture market.

Rearing fish in this way avoids seabed damage through fishing and would supplement markets at home and abroad.

A handful of jobs would be created in the first stage, with the possibility of prisoner involvement, with more jobs coming on line later.

Michael Ford of Landfish said the farm would create a substantial opportunity nationally for the production of additional food at a cheaper and more ecologically-friendly cost than fish that are being produced from existing open water farms.

Mr Ford outlined his proposals at a seminar at the CEFAS lab in Weymouth which was attended by industry representatives from the UK and Europe.

He said the meeting went very well and had helped boost confidence in the scheme.

Landfish and CEFAS would be working in partnership on the project, Mr Ford said.

He added: "We had some amazing feedback at the meeting. Things are looking good."

The outline plans are now being recommended for approval subject to conditions at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's planning committee on Wednesday.

Councillors will be told this is a unique scheme due to the fact that fish, of many types, would be produced on land. Mr Ford says the scheme would 'lead the way in Southern England, Dorset and Portland' and will be held out as a 'shining light' by introducing the first environmentally sustainable and viable scheme.

A report to the meeting by planning officer Chris Moscrop says: "In terms of this being an outline planning application with all matters reserved, this scheme is considered to be acceptable because it is in general conformity with emerging policies concerning the use of an area designated as a key employment site.

"Issues concerning landscape and highways remain part of the reserved matters (access; appearance; landscaping; layout; and scale) that remain to be addressed at any detailed stage."