The Government could intervene in a bottled water company’s controversial plans to extend its Harrogate factory into an area of community woodland.
Ministers have instructed North Yorkshire Council not to make a decision on plans by Harrogate Spring Water to increase the size of its plant in the town’s Harlow Moor Road while it considers whether to call in the application.
Members of the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area planning committee deferred a decision on the expansion amid objections from campaign groups and local politicians over the loss of around 500 trees in Rotary Wood in October.
The application was expected to be considered again early in the new year.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government was alerted to concerns about the application by Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.
In his letter to the Government, the Liberal Democrat MP highlighted the absence of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from the application reports.
He said:
“I welcome the Government’s intervention following my calls, temporarily pausing a planning application that would see 500 trees removed and giving our community a real chance to protect Rotary Wood.
“This action allows the Government to review the process so far and decide whether it’s necessary to call in the application and take the decision into its own hands.
“It is, however, deeply concerning that, at this stage, there is still no plan for a proper EIA. I will continue working closely with Pinewoods and other stakeholders to explore every option to safeguard our woodland for future generations.”
In her response to the MP, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government, said:
“Your request is currently under consideration and your views, along with all other relevant information, will be taken into account before the Secretary of State decides whether or not to call in the application for determination.
“A holding direction has been issued to the council which prevents it from granting planning permission before a decision on call-in has been made.”
North Yorkshire Council’s head of development management, Martin Grainger, said:
“We can confirm that we have received a letter from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
“As this is a live planning application, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this stage.”
A spokesperson for Danone UK & Ireland, parent company of Harrogate Spring Water, said:
“We have worked constructively with council officers and engaged with the local community to ensure our plans align with planning policy and reflect the commitments we have made.
“The planning documents (including S106 and Condition 12) provide certainty for both the community and the Council and strike the right balance between sustainable development and economic growth.”
Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry
Harrogate nursery children get messy for International Mud Day
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show to celebrate 50th anniversary
Ripon swimming sensation secures dream move to US university
First look at Ripon Workhouse Museum after £2.8million refurb
