Work on Harrogate Spring Water's controversial expansion plans could begin in 2028 if water brand's appeal is successful
Harrogate Spring Water has confirmed it will appeal the refusal of its controversial expansion plans, meaning work could begin as early as 2028 if the challenge succeeds.
The decision to expand the Harlow Moor Road factory has already angered opponents of the long-delayed scheme.
Managing director Richard Hall said Harrogate Spring Water was proud to “fly the flag” for Harrogate and to act as a “good citizen” in the town.
As a major employer in a growing market, he said it was essential to meet growing demand in a way that boosted the town’s economy, while being mindful of the environment.
“It is important in a growing market for water to grow the business,” said Mr Hall.
"We don’t see an option not to expand our plant at Harlow Moor Road.
"We have always strived to be good citizens and have listened to all the groups who care about Harrogate and this area of town and have included their ideas and concerns in the revised version of the plans, particularly in relation to the loss of Rotary Wood and the environment.
“Before any work has even started, we have already planted 3,400 trees within five miles of our plant.”
Harrogate Spring Water, the official water of Royal Ascot and Ascot Racecourse, intends to appeal April’s decision by Harrogate and Knaresborough county councillors to refuse permission at the reserved matters stage.
The company argues that the committee’s reasons for refusal did not justify departing from council officers’ recommendation to approve the scheme.
“We have done everything we can to understand genuine local community concerns, mitigate environmental impact and invest for sustainable development in the future, benefitting the local economy of Harrogate,” said Mr Hall.
“Our appeal has a strong legal basis and our plans meet all the technical requirements
"They will also have significant benefits for the town and I will ensure that our expansion is managed in a sympathetic, sustainable way.”
After notifying North Yorkshire Council of its decision, Harrogate Spring Water will now lodge its formal appeal to the national Planning Inspectorate in the coming days, with a decision expected in 2027.
If all goes according to plan for the water brand, which was bought by the French-based multinational Danone in 2020, that could mean actual spades in the ground as early as 2028.
But opponents of the scheme, which has attracted national attention, have reacted angrily to the announcement.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon told the Harrogate Advertiser: “A new two-acre plantation is not a like-for-like swap for a decades-old woodland that local people planted and love.
"I warned when the planning committee refused this application that we had to remain vigilant, and sadly today proves why.
"Local councillors looked at the evidence, heard from more than 1,000 residents who objected, and made the right call.
“Danone may not like that decision, but it was a democratic one, and it should be respected.”
The Pinewoods Conservation Group said it was “deeply disappointed” that Harrogate Spring Water and parent company Danone had decided to appeal North Yorkshire Council’s refusal of the expansion plans.
A spokesperson for the community group said: "There are clear local, national and international concerns raised around this proposal.
"The concerns have not gone away. Replacement planting cannot provide an immediate substitute for established woodland, its biodiversity or the value people place on it.”
Harrogate Spring Water, which in 2020 became the first company in North Yorkshire to achieve B Corp accreditation, achieving the highest environmental and social standards, has said in the past the planned expansion would give a £17 million boost to the northern economy.
Around half of the company’s core product and packaging material suppliers are based within 50 miles of its Harrogate site, supporting a regional network of manufacturers, logistics firms and service providers.