Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate voices opposition to bottling plant expansion and calls to meet company boss

Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Harrogate & Knaresborough, has formally registered his objection to the proposed expansion plans put forward by Harrogate Spring Water and contacted the Managing Director requesting a meeting to discuss the proposals. 

The objection comes in response to the recent reserved matters application submitted by the company to North Yorkshire Council, and the long-standing Save Rotary Wood campaign.

In both Mr Gordon’s objection and letter to Harrogate Spring Water he expressed concerns about the potential consequences of the expansion, highlighting issues including biodiversity loss, tree replacement, and traffic and access problems within the local community. His objection and correspondence to Harrogate Spring Water raised concerns surrounding the proposed felling of hundreds of trees, emphasising the immediate and lasting impact on the local ecosystem.

There is scepticism of the proposals claims of a net biodiversity gain through the creation of a new woodland, with critics saying replacing established trees with saplings does not guarantee the preservation of the unique environment cultivated over the years at Rotary Wood. Mr Gordon expressed doubts about the feasibility of instantly replicating the ecological value provided by such trees with saplings. He also stresses the crucial importance of this consideration, especially in the face of the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.

Gordon's objections were also formally communicated to Harrogate Spring Water in a letter, in which he requested a meeting to discuss the proposals.

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Harrogate & Knaresborough, said: 

“Rotary Wood is much-loved and chopping down established trees and replacing them with saplings is simply not the answer. 

"We should be protecting woodlands and seeking to encourage biodiversity. 

“To suggest these proposals would be a net gain is misguided at best and green-washing at worst. We know it would take years for new trees to mature.

“I’m out every evening Monday to Friday knocking on doors and people across our town keep telling me time and again they are against the plans. 

“Over 500 objections have been made through the Council website, and the number is still climbing. I encourage everyone who has not yet voiced their opposition to do so before the decision is taken.”