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18
Jan 2021
A Harrogate Borough Council report published today has recommended conditionally approving Harrogate Spring Water's controversial expansion plans.
The council's planning committee will meet on Tuesday next week to discuss the company's proposal to fell trees in the Pinewoods to expand its bottling plant.
Case officer Mark Williams' report describes Harrogate Spring Water as a 'global brand' and 'strategic employer' that makes a significant contribution to the local economy.
The report acknowledges concerns about issues such as the loss of trees and increase in single use plastics but concludes:
The report recommends deferring and approving the application subject to a section 106 legal agreement being drawn up for biodiversity that confirms where the trees would be replanted.
The application, which would lead to 87 new jobs, has received 328 objections and 28 in support.
Many objections refer to an increase in single use plastics for bottling water but the report says this issue is covered by legislation and therefore "not a reason to refuse this application".
A spokesperson from Pinewoods Conservation Group said:
Pinewoods tree protester vows to lobby council offices every week
Impasse between Harrogate Spring Water and local groups continues
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