Harrogate Spring Water has defended its proposed factory expansion plans, as a final decision from North Yorkshire councillors is expected today.

The bottled water company, owned by Danone, is seeking approval to extend its operations into an area of woodland near its existing site in Harrogate. The proposal has already been recommended for approval by council planning officers.

A spokesperson for Harrogate Spring Water said the company had worked closely with local authorities throughout the process.

“Throughout the planning process, we have worked constructively with council officers and listened closely to community concerns,” the spokesperson said. “We have committed to creating a new, publicly accessible two‑acre woodland connected to the Pinewoods, planting 491 native and more mature trees and delivering around 3,000 trees across the district – six times more than would be lost.”

The company added that its plans align with Danone’s wider sustainability commitments.

“These plans are consistent with Danone's commitments globally to sustainable, responsible development, including its Renewed Forest Policy,” the spokesperson said. “Ultimately our goal remains to balance sustainable development and economic growth with care for the local environment and community.”

According to the company, the development would impact approximately 500 trees, rather than the higher figures previously cited. Harrogate Spring Water said its planting strategy had been revised following consultation with North Yorkshire Council, reducing the number of trees planted on-site to around 491, while increasing off-site planting to ensure its commitment to planting six times as many trees as would be lost is maintained.

The business also noted that its approach to tree planting and site development had been shaped through engagement with council officers to ensure compliance with planning policy.

However, the plans have drawn criticism from campaigners and environmental groups. Critics argue that the proposal involves the removal of the trees from Rotary Wood, a community woodland planted by local schoolchildren, and that the loss of established woodland cannot be offset by new tree planting elsewhere.

They have also questioned whether the development is consistent with Danone’s global forest commitments, which include pledges around deforestation-free supply chains and achieving a “forest-positive” status in the coming years.

More than 1,300 formal objections have been submitted by local residents and organisations, according to campaigners, with concerns focused on biodiversity loss, community access and the long-term environmental impact of the expansion.

A final decision on the plans is expected at a North Yorkshire Council planning committee meeting scheduled for today 17 April.

Top image: © Harrogate Water Brands