Additional information expected last month that will shape the future of the controversial Horse Hill oil site in Surrey has been delayed again, the county council revealed today.

UK Oil & Gas (UKOG) had been expected to provide the information before Christmas 2025, and then in “the early part” of the New Year. It is now expected in about three weeks.

The information, including climate impacts of Horse Hill oil production, is needed for a new planning application. Permission at the site near Reigate was quashed by the Supreme Court in June 2024.

Responding to a public question today, officials said:

“the Council has not yet received the required information.

“Planning officers remain in dialogue with the applicant’s agent and understand that there are a small number of remaining reports to be completed by the end of January. Submission is now anticipated in mid-February.

“Officers have conveyed the necessity for this information to be submitted.”

Another public question asked the council if it had withdrawn enforcement notice for the restoration of Horse Hill because the operator planned to reapply for planning permission.

Officials said the council had not served an enforcement notice at Horse Hill. They said:

“Enforcement Officers have been working with the operator and their representatives to seek removal of the equipment at the site and restoration of the site.

“To date this has been done through dialogue and negotiations, however the Enforcement team is keeping this position under review so that any necessary action can be taken.”

A third question asked whether any future planning permission at Horse Hill should include a condition requiring the operator to set aside sufficient funds for restoration.

The questioner referred to delays with site restoration at another UKOG site at Broadford Bridge in West Sussex.

The council replied:

“This question cannot be answered at this stage and such comments should be included in a representation when a public consultation is undertaken on the revised information.

“They will then be taken into account by the officers considering the application, and ultimately by the Committee as the decision maker.”