Harrogate Spring Water plant expansion proposals spark concerns

Hundreds of residents have shared their concerns over plans for the expansion of a bottling plant in Harrogate.

The proposed expansion of Harrogate Spring Water's Harlow Moor Road HQ has received more than 200 objections since the plans were submitted two weeks ago.

It would be "devastating" to lose trees due to the expansion, one critic said.

But the Danone-owned firm said it would plant 1,200 trees at the site to replace any which were felled, if the plans were approved by councillors.

A previous reserved matters application was rejected in 2021 amid concerns over proposals to cut down trees in Rotary Wood, an area of the Pinewoods, to make way for larger premises.

'Lorries shake house'

Objecting to the new plans submitted on North Yorkshire Council's planning portal, one contributor said: "It would be devastating to lose any trees in Harrogate.

"We need the trees and so do the local wildlife. I object to any healthy tree being felled in the name of further development in this area."

Another said: "Yes, we want thriving Harrogate businesses, and I own one, but not the production of more plastic bottles."

Meanwhile a further objector, who said they lived near the site, said the expansion of the plant would lead to more large vehicles entering and leaving the factory.

"The lorries shake my house as they pass and can wake me up at night," they said.

'Valued resource'

Richard Hall, managing director at Harrogate Spring Water, said he wanted the planned new woodland, which would replace the trees felled in Rotary Wood, to become a valued resource for local residents.

"The local community has been very clear in expressing their concern about the potential loss of trees from part of Rotary Wood which an expanded production facility could bring," Mr Hall said.

"This is why at the heart of our reserved matters application is a new community woodland which will be fully accessible to the public."

The plans have so far received 314 objections overall, with three letters in support, according to the council's planning portal.

Councillors are expected to make a decision on the proposals later this year.