Harrogate Spring Water to Appeal Refusal of Controversial Bottling Plant Expansion
The company says the project would support 300 jobs and add £17 million to the local economy.
- Harrogate Spring Water announced on Tuesday it will appeal North Yorkshire Council's April rejection of its factory expansion at Harlow Moor Road, challenging the decision despite council planning officers recommending approval.
- Councillors rejected the plans in April, ruling that the proposed landscaping would not adequately compensate for tree loss and that the extension lacked "local distinctiveness."
- Managing Director Richard Hall argued the plans meet technical requirements and provide an estimated £2.3m annual boost, while critics emphasize the loss of "mature, thriving woodland" and water extraction concerns.
- Opponents including Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon and Pinewoods Conservation Group vowed to fight the appeal, with Gordon stating, "I warned when the planning committee refused this application that we had to remain vigilant."
- The company will lodge a formal appeal to the Planning Inspectorate with a decision expected in 2027, as Sarah Gibbs, spokesperson for Save Rotary Wood, said members would explore options to fund the legal challenge.
10 Articles
10 Articles
Work on Harrogate Spring Water's controversial expansion plans could begin in 2028 if water brand's appeal is successful
Work could start as early as two years from now on the controversial expansion of Harrogate Spring Water after the famous bottled water brand confirmed it is to appeal a planning refusal.
Harrogate Spring Water to appeal planning refusal
Harrogate Spring Water has confirmed that it will appeal a decision by the local planning committee to refuse divisive expansion plans at its Harlow Moor Road site. The planning committee’s reasons for refusal were twofold; that the landscaping was inadequate to make up for the loss of existing trees, and that the appearance of the […]
Harrogate Spring Water to appeal 50-job plant expansion refusal
A bottled water firm is set to appeal a 50-job factory extension snub. Harrogate Spring Water is launching a challenge against North Yorkshire Council’s rejection of a blueprint to expand its base. However, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has called for the original ruling to stand, urging the water firm’s owner…
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