Group who planted Rotary Wood welcome defeat for Harrogate Spring Water's revised expansion plans

There has been more reaction to the decision this afternoon to reject revised expansion plans by Harrogate Spring Water which would impact substantially on the trees at Rotary Wood.
Trees near Harrogate Spring Water at Harlow Moor Road, Harrogate.Trees near Harrogate Spring Water at Harlow Moor Road, Harrogate.
Trees near Harrogate Spring Water at Harlow Moor Road, Harrogate.

After eight councillors out of 12 on Harrogate Borough Council's planning committee voted against HSW, with four abstentions, the group who instigated Rotary Wood at the Pinewoods 15 years ago said they were "heartened by the result".

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Alistair Ratcliffe, President of the Harrogate Rotary Club, said: "We are heartened that Harrogate Borough Council has taken the decision to reject this application and that any further planned destruction of the Rotary Wood will be avoided.

"We will, with others, commit ourselves to ensuring that the loss of biodiversity, carbon capture and the loss of community value as an amenity are fully compensated.’

The chair of Zero Carbon Harrogate described the vote about Harrogate Spring Water's expanded plans as a "pivotal decision."

Jemima Parker said: "This is a pivotal decision by the Harrogate Borough Council Planning Committee.

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"Zero Carbon Harrogate are delighted that the councillors clearly acknowledged that the world has changed.

"We are in a biodiversity and climate crisis, we cannot go on with business as usual.

"They have creatively used the planning legislation to signal that Harrogate District are taking their commitment to zero carbon emissions seriously.

"We look forward to continuing to work with them to continue to bring the benefits of a green economy to Harrogate."

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Hannah Corlett, press officer of Harrogate & District Green Party, said: "The party will be working on how we move forward on this, including how we deal with the environmental issues we are facing as a whole so expect more to follow-up.

“We are, of course, really pleased that the decision to enlarge the original factory extension has been rejected.

"Well done to everyone for their hard work raising awareness of this local issue.

"We are also grateful for members of the planning committee in representing the people and the environment, not least Councillor Jim Clark’s remark that “this is where the battle for the planet is going to be fought” and making Harrogate a world leader – not of shipping pollution around the world but of environmentally friendly solutions.

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"However, there is still the issue of compensation for the original approval.

"The factory size allowed is 1.9 acres plus a further 2.3 acres of surrounding ‘open space’ which is up for debate as to what trees and aspects of the wood are saved and how this open space is protected.

"The land will also still need to go through a legal process for the leasing of an Asset of Community Value.

"We now call on Harrogate Spring Water/Danone to work with local groups to find alternative and thorough compensation plans or even further a stronger call for them to take a global lead in rethinking their business plan and look at sustainable ways to develop their business without destroying local wood or exporting plastic pollution."

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Rob Pickering, a senior spokesperson for Harrogate Spring Water, said: "We’re disappointed by the committee’s decision to reject the revision of our planning application.

"We have been able to clearly demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits, as well as outline our commitment to leaving a positive environmental impact.

"At this stage, we will need to consider our options and decide on our next steps.

"However, irrespective of this decision, we would like to reassure our local community that we are committed to keeping them informed and involved with any environmental measures and landscaping developments at the Harrogate Spring Water site in the future."

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