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17
Apr
Harrogate Spring Water issues statement amid rumours of appeal
Harrogate Spring Water’s managing director has said the company “will carefully consider next steps” after its expansion plans were rejected today (April 17).
The firm, which is part of French multinational Danone, has been trying to extend its premises since 2016.
But after its latest application was turned down by North Yorkshire Council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee today, the spectre of an appeal looms.
Many of those at today’s meeting felt an appeal to the government’s Planning Inspectorate was likely if the vote went against the company today.
If that happens, it could trigger a costly legal battle for the council but even if Harrogate Spring Water wins, it risks a further loss of goodwill among local people.
Harrogate Spring Water’s managing director Richard Hall said in a statement afterwards the company remained “confident in our plans” and was still committed to “investing in the business community”.
He 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.
The expansion would have meant the loss of around 500 trees in Rotary Wood, an area of community woodland planted around 20 years ago and owned by the council.
Harrogate Spring Water said almost 3,000 new trees would be planted to make up for those lost.
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