Harrogate Spring Water is ready to submit new expansion plans for its bottling plant on Harlow Moor Road, according to its Managing Director.
Richard Hall, who has been in his role since 2022, has addressed concerns in the latest episode of the Your Harrogate Podcast.
Mr Hall explained that, should an extension be permitted, the company is to plant new trees in order to replace those lost.
He also said they are continuing to listen to action groups who are opposing the idea of Harrogate Spring Water's bottling plant becoming larger.
He said:
“We are inextricably linked to the nature of Harrogate and to the people of the town, and we want to contribute to that as an ongoing concern.
"We’re here for the long term and want to ensure we’re a good citizen and a good community participant.
"The factory is getting close its maximum production that it can achieve, which is a good thing as it means the business is growing and there’s more demand for our products.
"We’d like to grow the business but we want to do that in a way that’s acceptable to the community."
Harrogate Spring Water secured planning permission to build a larger bottling plant in 2017 - which still remains valid.
However concerns have been raised about its size, appearance and landscaping.
The company has previously said that a bigger bottling plant would potentially boost the level of economic output by up to £6.2million per year and create 50 new jobs.
In reaction to concerns around lost woodland, Harrogate Spring Water has purchased an "equivalent" amount of land to ensure any woodland lost will be replaced - and with the input of the Harrogate community.
Mr Hall said the company will work with the public, community groups and businesses to get the possible outcome for all.
He added:
“We’ve listened to the community and when we hear people say they don’t want to lose accessible woodland - and I completely understand that living in such a beautiful environment - we’ve then found a solution so that people will have access to the same amount of woodland and we will design it with the community."
Listen to the full episode of the Your Harrogate Podcast in which we’re joined by Richard Hall here.
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