A long-awaited decision is expected this week on Harrogate Spring Water\u2019s bid to expand its bottling plant at Harlow Hill\u00a0– a project that has become one of Harrogate\u2019s most divisive planning battles in recent years.<\/p>\n
The company, which was acquired in 2020 by global food and drink giant Danone, is seeking full planning approval from North Yorkshire Council to extend its existing site to meet rising demand for its\u00a0 bottled water, exported to more than 40 countries.<\/p>\n
Harrogate Spring Water first gained outline planning consent in 2017 to expand onto part of Rotary Wood, a small community woodland planted over two decades ago by local schoolchildren and volunteers in partnership with Harrogate Rotary Club and the Woodland Trust.<\/p>\n
In 2019, the company put forward new proposals to increase the size of that expansion. That application was turned down by Harrogate Borough Council. Harrogate Spring Water has now reverted to its 2017 plan, which covers a smaller area than the 2019 proposals.<\/p>\n
The new scheme includes a two-acre publicly accessible woodland, the planting of six times as many trees as those lost, and environmental commitments such as energy efficiency improvements and biodiversity enhancements. The company says the project will create over 50 new jobs and contribute \u00a32.3m annually to the local economy.<\/p>\n
However, the expansion has faced sustained opposition from conservation groups including the Pinewoods Conservation Group and the Save Rotary Wood campaign, which argue the development would destroy a cherished local green space and vital wildlife habitat. Critics say that while new trees will be planted elsewhere, they cannot replace a mature woodland ecosystem or its community legacy.<\/p>\n
Despite the controversy, the plans have\u00a0 attracted strong business and community backing. The York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has reaffirmed its \u201cstrong support\u201d for the project, describing it as a \u201cbold and forward-looking step for one of Yorkshire\u2019s most prominent brands\u201d.<\/p>\n
A survey by Harrogate Spring Water of 200\u00a0 residents found that 71% of those with an opinion view the expansion positively, and 92% believe the proposed woodland and planting programme will adequately compensate for the initial tree loss.<\/p>\n
Scott Jenkins, president of the York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: \u201cThe economic boost, job creation and community woodland offer a compelling package that balances business growth with environmental care. We believe this proposal sets a best-in-class example of sustainable development.\u201d<\/p>\n
Local business leaders have echoed that view. Simon Cotton, managing director of the Fat Badger Group, which owns The Fat Badger and The Pickled Sprout, added: \u201cHarrogate Spring Water is part of what makes this town special. Its growth is good news for the local economy and reflects the quality, heritage and community spirit that define Harrogate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Harrogate Spring Water managing director Richard Hall, the project is about sustainable growth and stewardship. \u201cHarrogate is our home and we\u2019ve listened carefully to the community and planning officers throughout this process. Our final proposal reflects our commitment to develop a sustainable business and protect the local environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Harrogate & Knaresborough Area Planning Committee is expected to deliver its verdict later this week.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Harrogate Spring Water\u2019s bid to expand its bottling plant at Harlow Hill has become one of Harrogate\u2019s most divisive planning battles in recent years.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":271992,"featured_media":2145417,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53262,1,9],"coauthors":[137100],"class_list":["post-2145413","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-news","category-latest-news","category-property","tag-featured-story","tag-yorkshire"],"yoast_head":"\n