A well test at the controversial Balcombe oil site – scene of daily anti-fracking protests in summer 2013 – is looking unlikely.

The site, in West Sussex, has failed to give notice of the start of work.

Planning conditions require the well test to begin by 13 February 2026 and the site operator, Angus Energy, to give notice at least seven days earlier.

But West Sussex County Council confirmed today that it had received no notice from the company.

A council spokesperson said:

“The appeal decision (APP/P3800/W/21/3282246) requires commencement of the development within three years of the decision, which is 13 February 2026.  The County Council has not received any notification from Angus Energy with regards to commencement.”

A failure to start work by the deadline would see the planning permission lapse.

At the time of writing, Angus Energy had not made a statement to shareholders about the well test or the Balcombe site. DrillOrDrop has invited the company to comment on why it has not given notice of the work.

West Sussex’s planning committee unanimously refused permission for the well test in March 2021. This was despite a recommendation to approve by planners.

Angus Energy successfully appealed against the refusal when a planning inspector overturned the council’s decision in February 2023.

Limited work has been carried out since the Balcombe oil well was drilled more than a decade ago, in woodland on the edge of the village.

The site has been consistently unpopular with many residents.

A local poll in 2013 found 85% were against drilling the well, 9% undecided and just 6% in favour.

The village campaign organisation, Frack Free Balcombe Residents’ Association (FFBRA) took three legal challenges against planning permission at the site to the Royal Courts of Justice in London.