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Plans by Harrogate Spring Water to expand its bottling facility have been blocked by the local council, marking a setback for the company’s proposed development.
The decision comes after the company had defended its woodland expansion plans ahead of a final council decision, with the proposal previously recommended for approval by council officers.
The Danone-owned water company aims to extend its operations into an area of woodland near its existing site in Harrogate, which it said would impact around 500 trees in the area, with a company spokesperson telling FoodBev that the proposed tree planting and site development efforts mean significantly more trees would be planted than lost.
Richard Hall, managing director of Harrogate Spring Water, expressed disappointment at the outcome, pointing to broader challenges within the UK planning system.
“The challenges UK businesses face with the planning system are well documented and we are disappointed by the committee’s decision,” he said.
Hall added that the company had addressed concerns raised during earlier discussions and had worked with both council officers and the local community throughout the process.
“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,” he said. “Throughout this process, we have worked constructively with officers and the local community to strike the right balance between sustainable development and economic growth.”
The proposed expansion was positioned as a significant local investment, including the creation of more than 50 jobs and an estimated £2.3 million annual contribution to the local economy. However, the plans drew criticism from campaigners and environmental groups, who argued that the loss of established woodland cannot be offset by new tree planting elsewhere.
The company said it will now consider its next steps following the decision, while reaffirming its longer-term commitment to the site and surrounding community.
“We are confident in our plans and will carefully consider next steps. Our commitment to investing in the business and community remains unchanged.”