Harrogate Spring Water Ltd had wanted to extend its bottling plant on an adjacent four-acre piece of woodland which has been coveted by environmentalists.
The Rotary Wood project commemorated the centenary of Rotary International and was supported by the local community, with school children involved in planting the new wood.
The project was instigated and funded in 2005 by Harrogate Rotary.
The Rotary club were among campaigners urging the council to reject the company’s planning application. Eight councillors on Harrogate Borough Council’s 12-strong planning committee, voted against the proposal.
Alistair Ratcliffe, President of Harrogate Rotary, told the Harrogate Advertiser: “We are heartened that Harrogate Borough Council has taken the decision to reject this application and that any further planned destruction of the Rotary Wood will be avoided.
The Rotary Wood project commemorated the centenary of Rotary International and was supported by the local community, with school children involved in planting the new wood.
“We will, with others, commit ourselves to ensuring that the loss of biodiversity, carbon capture and the loss of community value as an amenity are fully compensated.”
Jemima Parker, who is chair of Zero Carbon Harrogate, described the vote about Harrogate Spring Water’s expanded plans as a “pivotal decision”.
She said: “Zero Carbon Harrogate are delighted that the councillors clearly acknowledged that the world has changed.
“We are in a biodiversity and climate crisis, we cannot go on with business as usual.
“They have creatively used the planning legislation to signal that Harrogate District are taking their commitment to zero carbon emissions seriously.
We are heartened that Harrogate Borough Council has taken the decision to reject this application and that any further planned destruction of the Rotary Wood will be avoided.”
“We look forward to continuing to work with them to continue to bring the benefits of a green economy to Harrogate.”
Danone, the French food conglomerate, bought a majority stake in Harrogate Spring Water last year.
The two companies wanted to expand the existing bottled water production site.
Harrogate Spring Water was granted outline planning permission to expand its bottling site in 2017 – a decision that was opposed by the town’s green groups.
However, in 2019, the company submitted a revised application for a site that is around 40 per cent larger than the one originally proposed.
Danone joined Harrogate Spring Water in seeking permission for expansion after buying a majority stake in the firm in 2020.
We look forward to continuing to work with them to continue to bring the benefits of a green economy to Harrogate.”
Rotary Wood hosts a variety of wildlife, including wild orchids and sits alongside Harrogate’s 96-acre Pinewoods forest.
Harrogate Spring Water greeted the council’s decision with disappointment.
Rob Pickering, a senior spokesperson for the company, would not reveal whether they planned to appeal the decision.
He told the Harrogate Advertiser: “We have been able to clearly demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits, as well as outline our commitment to leaving a positive environmental impact.
“At this stage, we will need to consider our options and decide on our next steps.
“However, irrespective of this decision, we would like to reassure our local community that we are committed to keeping them informed and involved with any environmental measures and landscaping developments at the Harrogate Spring Water site in the future.”
