Harrogate Labour insists public mood on environment must be heeded after Harrogate Spring Water vote

Harrogate Spring Water says 'it will be good neighbours' despite losing vote

Former councillor Geoff Foxall of Harrogate & Knaresborough Labour Party, who as chair of Starbeck Residents Association has highlighted air quality issues and traffic congestion on Starbeck level crossing, said there had been a "swing" by residents in favour of environmental protection and enhancement in recent years which could not be ignored.

Mr Foxall said: "Harrogate and Knaresborough Labour party welcomes the planning decision to reject Harrogate Spa Water’s extension plans which would have destroyed Rotary Wood.

"The environment and our appreciation of its use has been given a greater priority than boosting the profits of an international company, Danone, and the proliferation of more plastic.

"We should see this decision as confirmation that Harroagte Borough Council is actually operating its own environmental policies such as its Biodiversity Action Plan and its commitment to a 2038 carbon neutral target."

Harrogate Labour Party's statement follows a meeting of Harrogate Borough Council's planning committee last Tuesday when councillors voted overwhelmingly to reject revised expansion plans for a bigger bottling plant at Harlow Hill submitted by Harrogate Spring Water which would have impacted on the tress and plant life at Rotary Wood.

Mr Foxall continued: "This decision follows the swing towards environmental protection and enhancement shown by Harrogate residents over the past four years.

"It was epitomised by the overwhelming majority who supported the rejection of a relief road through the Nidd Gorge two years ago.

"Last year, it was shown in the popular support of the Long Lands Common project. Covid has made us all more aware of how important our local environment is to our mental and physical health.

"The local groups spearheading these green successes have harnessed the community support that councillors can no longer ignore."

What's next in battle for Rotary Wood after Harrogate Spring Water loses vote on its bigger expansion plans

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