Danone is appealing a decision to stop a move to expand its Harrogate Spring Water site in northern England.
In a statement, the company said the appeal follows a planning committee decision to reject the proposal despite council officers recommending approval.
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Danone said the application for the project in North Yorkshire was refused on grounds that the proposed landscaping was “inadequate” to offset the loss of existing trees and that the design lacked “local distinctiveness”.
The business said it had developed detailed proposals on both issues after consulting residents and planning officials.
It argues the reasons “do not justify” a departure from the officers’ recommendation.
Richard Hall, Harrogate Spring Water managing director, said: “We do not agree with the committee’s decision and so our next step is to appeal.”
The expansion plan includes a two-acre publicly accessible woodland next to Rotary Wood.
Danone also said it would plant six times the number of trees lost through the development.
Hall said: “We have done everything we can to understand genuine local community concerns, mitigate environmental impact and invest for sustainable development in the future, benefitting the local economy of Harrogate.
“Our appeal has a strong legal basis, and our plans meet all the technical requirements. They will also have significant benefits for the town and I will ensure that our expansion is managed in a sympathetic, sustainable way.”
The company said the project would raise production capacity and increase demand for suppliers and service providers.
Danone acquired control of Harrogate Spring Water in 2020. The Harrogate label is Danone’s sole water business with a UK-based production facility. More than 80 staff work at the site.
Harrogate Spring Water said it has informed the local council and expects to submit its formal appeal in the coming days, with a decision anticipated next year.
