Thomas Bridge 23 July 2014

Shale gas exploration bid turned down by West Sussex

A fracking firm’s bid to explore for gas and oil in south eastern England has been blocked by a local council.

West Sussex County Council’s planning committee last night refused an application by Celtique Energy to launch a three-year long search for oil and gas near village Wisborough Green.

The move is thought to be the first time a local authority has refused an application by a shale company.

Councillors said Celtique Energy had not demonstrated the proposed site represented the best option when compared to other locations. West Sussex added that plans had unsafe highways access and would have an adverse impact on Wisborough Green as a conservation area.

Celtique Energy said it was ‘very disappointed’ with the decision and accused council members of not following ‘the spirit or the letter of Government policy’.

Speaking after the council decision, chair of West Sussex County Council’s planning committee, Heidi Brunsdon, said: ‘There were simply too many highways issues and other issues of concern for any decision other than refusal in this instance.

‘We have noted the objections of the local community and I felt that the debate today was a full and robust one.’

Environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth described the council’s decision as ‘fantastic news’.

Prime minister David Cameron has said the Government is going ‘all out for shale’ in a bid to support businesses and the economy. But opponents have warned it can damage local countryside, cause minor earthquakes, pollute local water and is not compatible with climate change goals.

At the beginning of this year, Cameron launched a sweetener for councils that green light shale developments – announcing town halls could keep 100% of business rates collected from local shale sites.

Geoff Davies, chief executive officer of Celtique Energy said: ‘West Sussex County Council members have not followed the spirit or the letter of Government policy or good practice in dealing with this planning application.

‘We believe this application was totally compliant, comprehensive and of high quality and would stand up to further scrutiny by the planning inspectorate or the secretary of state in the event of an appeal.

‘We are considering our further options and will make a decision in due course.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Employment Vetting Officer

Essex County Council
£26090.00 - £30693.00 per annum
Employment Vetting OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£26,090 to £30,693 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker Level 2

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO3 - £45,750 to £49,056
We are pleased to inform you that an opportunity for a Level 2 Social Worker has become available Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner