Izzy Lepone 07 July 2025

Council warned against gas well project proposals

Council warned against gas well project proposals image
A train travels through the green hills of the North York Moors under a partly cloudy sky. © Brian Jackson BJP / Shutterstock.com.

Environmental group Friends of the Earth (FoE) has urged North Yorkshire Council to oppose a gas well planning application.

The application put forward by fossil fuel company, Europa Oil and Gas Ltd, involves plans to operate the gas project near the North York Moors National Park, and suggests its methods do not fall within the Government’s fracking moratorium.

However, FoE sought legal advice about the proposals due to concerns about transparency, arguing that ‘it is misleading to suggest that it is not a type of fracking when it comes to planning policy’.

Whilst Europa Oil and Gas Ltd argues that its techniques are safe, FoE is urging North Yorkshire Council to reject the application due to environmental risks, emphasising that the UK should ‘show global leadership’ about issues relating to the climate crisis.

FoE’s senior lawyer, Katie de Kauwe, said: ‘This fossil fuel proposal shines a spotlight on the glaring loophole in the existing fracking moratorium. The government must close it as a matter of urgency.

‘Fracking is deeply unpopular with local communities. It is absolutely essential that both the planning authority and the public know exactly what type of development this is, so that it doesn’t sneak in through the back door.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner