Tom Gordon MP Secures Government Intervention on Harrogate Spring Water Expansion

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has successfully secured Government intervention on Harrogate Spring Water’s expansion plans after his letter to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government raised serious concerns about the planning process. 

The Danone-owned company’s proposal, which would see around 500 trees removed from Rotary Wood, has sparked widespread opposition, with more than 1,000 formal objections submitted. Tom has worked closely with local residents, calling a public meeting to save Rotary Wood last month and joining campaigners on the ground. 

In his letter to the Government, Tom highlighted critical failings in the planning process, including the absence of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) at both the outline and reserved matters stages. Without an EIA, alternative options were not considered, and cumulative environmental impacts were not assessed. 

In response, the Government has intervened and stopped North Yorkshire Council from granting planning permission while it reviews the case and decides whether to call in the application and take the decision into its own hands. 

By securing this intervention, Tom has created the opportunity for the application to be reviewed more transparently and with proper consideration of its environmental impacts. He will continue working closely with local residents and campaigners to protect Rotary Wood, a cherished green space at the heart of the community.

Commenting, Tom 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.