Villagers are seeking to overturn a judge’s ruling which gave the go-ahead to a well test at the Balcombe oil site in West Sussex.
The campaign group, Frack Free Balcombe Residents Association (FFBRA), has applied to challenge the decision of the judge, Nathalie Lieven, following a hearing at the High Court.
In October 2023, Mrs Justice Lieven dismissed FFBRA’s request for a judicial review on all six grounds.
FFBRA said today:
“Our lawyers have advised us that there are arguable grounds for appealing the judgment and we have filed an application for permission to appeal at the Court of Appeal.
“The impact of the oil well test, which will run for many months or even years, will be devastating for the village and for the environment as well as contribute to the global climate crisis by paving the way for further greenhouse gas emissions resulting from oil production and combustion.”
Today’s announcement is the latest phase of a campaign against oil operations at Balcombe dating back more than 10 years.
The site, in the High Weald area of outstanding natural beauty, was the focus of near-daily protests in the summer of 2013, when the then operator, Cuadrilla, drilled an exploration well.
The well test was unanimously refused planning permission by West Sussex County Council’s planning committee in March 2021. Members decided it was not in the public interest and would have minimal benefit to the local economy.
The current site operator, Angus Energy, appealed and in February 2023 a government-appointed planning inspector overruled the council’s decision.
FFBRA said today:
“[the test] will bring air pollution, water pollution, noise and light pollution, as well as disrupting plant and animal habitats. The area is recognised as having special, national importance and value, demanding conservation of its beauty and tranquillity.
“The people of Balcombe and their supporters are continuing the fight to protect the village and the environment against Angus Energy’s plans to explore for oil in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”
The group is now seeking to raise £2,500 in the next 29 days.
DrillOrDrop’s page on Balcombe key facts and timeline
Categories: Opposition, slider
DRILL OR DROP? 
The FFBRA state “The impact of the oil well test, which will run for many months or even years, will be devastating for the village”.
Sounds like someone’s making mountains out of molehills. My bet is that almost no-one in the village will even notice. Other than a few permanently disgruntled hippies with placards, who haven’t really thought through the implications of a lack of reliable energy on their standard of living. They might get educated this winter if we have rolling blackouts.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/10/31/green-energy-solar-wind-renewable-energy-interconnector/
There are other places, e.g. offshore to drill for oil. Not on-shore. Not in the Home Counties. Never.
Good luck Frack Free Balcombe Residents.
I believe Una-Jane that oil is usually drilled for where it is believed there is some!
Besides, the drilling has already been done. This is about testing whether there is enough oil to go to the bother of getting it out.
Our lawyers, who were unsuccessful to the tune of 6-0 have advised us if they get some more money they will be happy to have another go. Quite a business.
Meanwhile, I note the forecast predicts Arctic weather into the UK very shortly. Enjoy-and trust someone has made provision to keep you supplied with the energy you require.