Pinewoods group calls for objections to Harrogate planning application

HSWL plan to extend their current bottling plant into the woods potentially removing up to four acres of woodland at Rotary Wood, which it has said it will replace.

The company prides itself on its spa water plant being a showcase for environmental efficiency but says its own global success and the competitive nature of the market for bottled water make expansion essential.

Following a meeting on January 22 with HSWL and Harrogate Rotary Club, PCG agreed to pause any recommendation to the charity members and supporters to February 20 to allow for HSWL to provide additional information around environmental impact of the plans plus confirm details on replacement land.

What Pinewoods Conservation Group says

A spokesperson for Pinewoods Conservation Group said: “Lines of communication remain open with HSWL and their planning consultants but to date we have yet to receive any further details.

"We have been promised the ecology report imminently and will share if received.

The replacement land issue remains our primary concern, especially with the planning variation that will see further erosion of open green space and loss of more trees."

"However, it has been almost three years since outline planning was received with clear conditions that have still to be met.

"As such we have no option but to ask members to formally raise objections with the information currently available to us."

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What Harrogate Spring Water says

A spokesperson for Harrogate Spring Water said: "Everything in the planning process is happening as it should, within the rules and timetable that has been set. The ecological report has been submitted and positive conversations continue around protecting and further enhancing the site’s biodiversity.

"Nothing has changed since our last meeting with Pinewoods Conservation Group, with regards to the planning schedule.

"We work closely with consultants who advise us on best practise and that is always what we do.

"We have been keeping the Pinewoods Conservation Group in the loop with everything and they have open lines of communication with us, should they wish to be involved in further consultation around landscaping.”

Harrogate Council last month agreed to extend the consultation period to 8am on Monday, March 9.

It is expected that the council’s planning committee will decide on the case on March 31.

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