Council to defend water plant refusal decision

North Yorkshire Council has confirmed it will defend its decision to reject plans to expand a water bottling factory into community woodland in Harrogate.

The stance has been welcomed by campaigners fighting to protect Rotary Wood, who had feared the council may not contest the appeal because its own planning officers had originally recommended approval.

Harrogate Spring Water, which is owned by multinational food and drink company Danone, has appealed against the decision to refuse permission for the 52,000 sq ft factory extension.

The proposals would see development extend into the established area of woodland, adjoining Harrogate's Pinewoods.

Rejecting the application April, councillors stated the proposed landscaping was inadequate and that the building's appearance was unacceptable in its sensitive setting.

Harrogate Spring Water insisted its proposals were developed to balance business growth with environmental improvements.

Its plans included creating two acres of publicly accessible woodland next to Rotary Wood, equivalent to the area affected by the expansion, planting six replacement trees for every one lost under a scheme developed with council ecology experts, and delivering a 10% biodiversity net gain.

Campaigners continue to argue the compensation offered for the loss of woodland is insufficient and the expansion would cause lasting harm to the landscape and environment.

North Yorkshire Council confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it intended to defend the appeal.

The stance was welcomed by Sarah Gibbs, of Save Rotary Wood, who criticised the company's decision to appeal.

"It's very disappointing that it's come to this, but Danone/HSW are now showing their true colours," she said.

"They wanted to take too much while offering too little in return and now, having failed to persuade elected councillors, the multibillion-dollar corporation is asking for even more time and public resources by requesting a six-day planning inquiry.

"This is not about care for community, local democracy, or environment. It's all about money."

However, the firm's managing director Richard Hall said the firm understood the importance of the wood to the community.

"We have developed our plans very carefully over a number of years, taking into account community feedback and environmental considerations.

"As a proud Harrogate business, we want to grow sustainably, supporting local jobs and the wider economy, while continuing to listen to the community.

"We believe our appeal has a strong basis and look forward to the opportunity to have our plans properly considered."

The company argued the development was important for its future and would bring wider benefits to the local economy, creating more than 50 jobs.

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