It was today announced that Danone’s plans to expanding its plant at Harrogate Spring Water, following objections from over 1,000 residents and a peaceful protest outside the planning meeting, have been knocked back.
This proposal was unanimously agreed to by the 5 members of the Planning Committee:
The quantum location and characteristics of the landscaping proposed is considered inadequate to mitigate the loss of existing planting and habits that would be lost as result of the development.
A such the proposal is considered to be contrary to the local plan policies NE 3, 4, 5 and 7 and guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework specifically paragraph 180.
The appearance of the proposed extension lacks local distinctiveness and as such is considered unacceptable for its setting within a special landscape area and adjacent to a local green space.
As such it is considered contrary to policy HP3 of the local plan and guidance contained within the National Planning Policy, specifically paragraph 135.
Danone, the multinational that owns Harrogate Spring can appeal the decision of the Planning Committee and may have opportunity to put in another application further down the line.
Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has welcomed the rejection of plans expand a multinational corporation’s plastic water bottling site, at the cost of hundreds of trees at Rotary Wood.
Tom Gordon MP, who has long opposed the expansion, has spoken out saying it’s a relief that the committee has seen sense but that we need to remain vigilant.
Tom said:
Common sense has finally prevailed. Swapping a cherished woodland for a plastic water bottling plant should never have been on the table.
I’m glad that the committee finally rejected it, but it shouldn’t have taken so many signatures, placards and even the voice of Dames Joanna Lumley and Judi Dench, for them to see sense.
We still need to be wary of future attempts to destroy our cherished woodland, today’s decision represents a welcome but temporary reprieve.
Richard Hall, Managing Director of Harrogate Spring Water 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.
To view the Committee.
