Harrogate MP hails defeat of Harrogate Spring Water's plans and their threat to 'cherished' woodland
Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has welcomed the rejection of plans to expand a multinational corporation’s plastic water bottling site at the cost of hundreds of trees at Rotary Wood.
It was today announced that Danone’s plans to expanding its plant at Harrogate Spring Water, following objections from over 1,000 residents and a peaceful protest outside the location for the meeting of the Harrogate and Knaresborough area planning committee, have been knocked back.
Danone, the multinational that owns Harrogate Spring can appeal the decision of North Yorkshire Council’s Planning Committee at Harrogate Civic Centre and may have opportunity to put in another application further down the line.
Tom Gordon MP, who has long opposed the expansion and its threat to the trees at Rotary Wood, has spoken out saying it’s a relief that the committee has seen sense but that we need to remain vigilant.
Tom said: “Common sense has finally prevailed. Swapping a cherished woodland for a plastic water bottling plant should never have been on the table.
"I’m glad that the committee finally rejected it, but it shouldn’t have taken so many signatures, placards and even the voice of Dames Joanna Lumley and Judi Dench, for them to see sense.
"We still need to be wary of future attempts to destroy our cherished woodland but today’s decision represents a welcome but temporary reprieve.”
Following the vote at the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Planning Committee meeting, Richard Hall, Managing Director of Harrogate Spring Water said: “The challenges UK businesses face with the planning system are well documented and we are disappointed by the committee’s decision.
“Our plans have been recommended for approval by the council and we have addressed the two reasons given for deferring this decision at the previous meeting.
"Throughout this process, we have worked constructively with officers and the local community to strike the right balance between sustainable development and economic growth.
“We feel our proposal represents a significant investment in Harrogate – creating over 50 new jobs, delivering an annual £2.3 million boost to the local economy, and a commitment to protecting the local environment.
“We are confident in our plans and will carefully consider next steps.
"Our commitment to investing in the business and community remains unchanged.”