12 March 2015 14:56 PM
The potential threat of future fracking operations at Wisborough Green has receded after an oil exploration company withdrew its appeal against West Sussex County Council`s refusal of planning permission. The application was to dig an exploratory well on land 400 metres south of Boxall Bridge.
Celtique Energie Weald Ltd cited the delay in appointing a planning inspector for the appeal as a reason for the decision. Originally scheduled for the 15th February 2015 the 16-week inquiry slipped back to the 8th of September 2015, as no suitably qualified planning inspector was available. The company says the timescale is such that there would be insufficient time to enable it to drill a well before the expiry of its licence in June 2016.
The company also announced that it has decided not to lodge an appeal against the refusal of planning permission by the South Downs National Park Authority for the drilling of an exploration well further west at Linchmere, West Sussex. The company cites the uncertainty created by legislation over gas and oil exploration in National Parks as the reason.
Both decisions are likely to be greeted with relief by residents and conservationists alike, though it remains to be seen what effect the Wisborough Green decision will have on WSCC plans to demolish Boxall Bridge.
Tags: Fracking
