The legal challenge against oil production and more drilling at Biscathorpe in the Lincolnshire Wolds will be go ahead in June.

DrillOrDrop understands that the case will be heard at the High Court in London on two days: 5 and 6 June 2024.

The case has been brought by environmental campaigner, Mathilda Dennis, representing the local community group, SOS Biscathorpe.

Ms Dennis is seeking to overturn the ruling of a planning inspector, who granted permission for 15 years of oil extraction and a new well at the site in the Lincolnshire Wolds area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

Lincolnshire County Council’s planning committee refused planning permission on the opening day of the Glasgow climate talks in November 2021.

The appeal centres on the impact of oil extraction on protected areas and the climate.

The inspector admitted in his ruling that the scheme would harm the landscape and beauty of the area and failed to comply with some local policies.

But he said the national need for oil was enough to justify the plans in the AONB.

Ms Dennis will argue that the inspector acted irrationally by giving great weight to what she argues is the small and uncertain contribution of Biscathorpe oil to national energy security. Her case is that the impacts on landscape and climate are more important factors.

More details of her case.

The challenge will be opposed by the site operator, Egdon Resources, now owned by the US-based Heyco Energy, and the Secretary of State for Levelling Up.

SOS Biscathorpe has raised more than £21,000 towards its legal costs. This is about £1,000 short of the target.  

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