William Eichler 28 October 2024

Oil firm continues production despite Supreme Court ruling

Oil firm continues production despite Supreme Court ruling image
Image: Alex Segre / Shutterstock.com.

Surrey County Council is considering enforcement action against an oil company that is operating two wells in the county, despite a historic Supreme Court ruling quashing its planning permission.

The Supreme Court ruled in June that the council’s decision to grant planning permission for oil production at the Horse Hill site, near Horley, was unlawful because the council had not considered the indirect, downstream emissions of the oil when burnt.

Despite the ruling, the company, UK Oil and Gas, has continued operations, with a spokesperson telling the Times that the judgement ‘did not tell us to stop producing’.

In a statement on their website, the county council described the continued operations as ‘unlawful’ without planning permission.

‘Any development carried out in the absence of planning permission is vulnerable to formal enforcement action,’ it said.

‘The county council is continuing its enforcement investigation and will determine whether formal enforcement action is expedient.’

Campaigner Sarah Finch, who brought the Supreme Court on behalf of the Weald Action Group, said UK Oil and Gas is ‘carrying on as if nothing has happened.’

‘I hope the council will now swiftly put a stop to this. If they don't, they will look weak and ineffectual and will undermine respect for the planning system.’

Update: The developer suspending drilling on 28 October, shortly after this article was published.

Check out our interview with Sarah Finch: Fighting climate change in court and as a councillor

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner