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Jan 2021

Last Updated: 26/01/2021

Environment

Harrogate Spring Water to 'consider options' following expansion refusal

by Thomas Barrett

| 26 Jan, 2021

The company could choose to appeal the decision, submit another application or stick with the original outline planning permission obtained in 2016. Campaigners thanked everyone who had fought the proposal and called on Harrogate Borough Council to protect Rotary Wood indefinitely.

Harrogate Spring Water, Harlow Moor Road in Harrogate.

Harrogate Spring Water has said it will "consider our options" following today's refusal of plans to expand its bottling plant into Rotary Wood in the Pinewoods.

Eight councillors on Harrogate Borough Council’s 12-person planning committee voted to refuse the controversial plans this afternoon, with four abstaining.

The company could choose to appeal the decision, submit another application or stick with the original outline planning permission obtained in 2016.

Rob Pickering, a senior spokesperson for Harrogate Spring Water, said:

"We’re disappointed by the committee’s decision to reject the revision of our planning application.

"We have been able to clearly demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits, as well as outline our commitment to leaving a positive environmental impact. At this stage, we will need to consider our options and decide on our next steps.

"However, irrespective of this decision, we would like to reassure our local community that we are committed to keeping them informed and involved with any environmental measures and landscaping developments at the Harrogate Spring Water site in the future."

Neil Hind, chair of Pinewoods Conservation Group who spoke at the meeting, called on Harrogate Borough Council to commit to protecting Rotary Wood from future planning applications.

He said:

"We thank the planning committee for their considered debate and we are very pleased with their outcome to reject this application.

"We also thank all those groups, supporters and residents who have supported our campaign that has been much appreciated.

"We will now be asking Harrogate Council at their meeting on February 10 to confirm, following the massive public backlash to these proposals, that they have no plans to sell or lease any part of Rotary Wood, now or in the future."

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A spokesperson for the Harrogate & District Green Party, welcomed the decision:

"We are of course really pleased that the decision to enlarge the original factory extension has been rejected. Well done to everyone for their hard work raising awareness of this local issue.

"We are also grateful for members of the planning committee in representing the people and the environment, not least Cllr Jim Clark’s remark that 'this is where the battle for the planet is going to be fought' and making Harrogate a world leader – not of shipping pollution around the world but of environmentally friendly solutions."

The Rotary Club of Harrogate said it was "heartened" by the decision.

President Alistair Ratcliffe said:

"We are heartened that Harrogate Borough Council has taken the decision to reject this application and that any further planned destruction of the Rotary Wood will be avoided.

"We will, with others, commit ourselves to ensuring that the loss of biodiversity, carbon capture and the loss of community value as an amenity are fully compensated."

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Harrogate Spring Water to 'consider options' following expansion refusal

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