Danone’s bid to construct a new bottling plant on the site of a 20-acre woodland in North Yorkshire has been thrown into disarray, after proposals were rejected following widespread local condemnation.
North Yorkshire Council’s Planning Committee has today (17 April) ruled the project at Harrogate Spring Water cannot move forward, after over 1,000 residents objected to the expansion.
The proposals, if approved, would have resulted in the felling of between 500 and 1,000 trees planted by local schoolchildren around 20 years ago.
Danone had pledged to replace felled trees with a combination of new saplings and a new community woodland, but campaigners argued this was not a like-for-like replacement considering the loss of biodiversity that would have ensued.
They claimed that – by pushing forward with the plans – Danone was in violation of its own Forest Policy, which pledged to ban deforestation after 31 December 2020 and committed the supplier to “deforestation and conversion‑free” supply chains and a “forest‑positive” future.
High-profile campaigners to oppose the plans included environmentalist and author Jonathon Porritt, as well as actors Judi Dench and Joanna Lumley.
The decision to reject the plans at the final hurdle was welcomed by local Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon.
“Common sense has finally prevailed,” he told the Harrogate Advertiser. “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.”
A statement from Pinewoods Harogate charity said: “We are pleased that the committee has reached a final decision to reject the application. After many years of uncertainty, this brings a much needed conclusion for residents and the wider community.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported this campaign throughout, from local residents to organisations and public figures who have stood with us. This outcome reflects the strength of feeling and the importance of protecting this valued woodland.”
Danone, however, can still appeal the decision to reject the proposals, and has the option to subject further planning requests at a later date.
“We still need to be wary of future attempts to destroy our cherished woodland but today’s decision represents a welcome but temporary reprieve,” added Gordon.
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 £2.3m 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.”
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