The private estate owned by the King did not respond to an approach to allow gas exploration on its land near the village Burniston, in North Yorkshire.

Europa Oil & Gas, which wants to drill a gas well and carry out small-scale fracking, contacted the Duchy of Lancaster last year about plans for a well pad.

But a spokesperson for the Duchy told DrillOrDrop today:

“We did not respond”.

The Duchy owns much of the land around Burniston, totalling more than 2,000 acres.

In a statement, the spokesperson said:

“The Duchy of Lancaster received an informal approach from Europa late last year regarding a possible gas drill site on Duchy land. We did not respond.”

Europa Oil & Gas plc has since found a site next to Duchy land on the edge of Burniston.

In July 2024, the company submitted initial plans to North Yorkshire Council and argued that an environmental impact assessment was not needed.

The Duchy’s spokesperson said:

“We are aware that the company subsequently identified a site on an adjoining landowner’s holding which was the subject of an application to the North Yorkshire Planning Authority for an environmental impact assessment screening opinion.”

We asked Europa about its approach to the Duchy. The company did not reply.

Frack Free Scarborough, which is opposing Europa’s plans, said:

“We’re not surprised to hear the Duchy didn’t consent. After all, the land is owned by the King, who is known for his commitment to protecting the environment. And if it’s not good enough for the King it’s certainly not good enough for us.”

DrillOrDrop understands that the Duchy of Lancaster has given permission for seismic surveys on its land for the Burniston well. Oil and gas companies can take legal action against landowners who refuse to give access for seismic surveying.

• DrillOrDrop report on information meeting and exhibition of Europa’s plans

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