Work to plug and abandon wells at a dormant oil site in West Sussex is due to begin this month, DrillOrDrop has learned.

The Broadford Bridge site, near Billingshurst, should be cleared by February 2026 under planning enforcement action. The well pad has been suspended since 2018. It never produced oil commercially.

The operator, a subsidiary of UK Oil & Gas plc (UKOG) failed to meet its own restoration deadline more than a year ago. The site has had no planning permission since March 2024.

West Sussex County Council told us today:

“UKOG have indicated that their intention is to begin plugging and abandonment of the well site this month. West Sussex County Council is awaiting details of timescales and the works to be undertaken.”

A spokesperson said the council was “not aware that any physical works have taken place” so far.

Officials took enforcement action against the operator, UKOG (234) Ltd, and the landowner in early January 2025. This required the site to be cleared by early February 2026.

Asked what action West Sussex would take if the deadline was missed, the spokesperson said:

“West Sussex County Council will continue to engage with the operator to seek updates on progress.

“Should the operator fail to accord, in full, with the Breach of Condition Notices, consideration will be given for next steps taking account of any progress that has been made by the operator by the 7 February 2026 deadline.”