Coal Authority changes policy on responding to shale gas plans in mining areas
Shale gas companies must show they have considered how drilling could affect old mining features in coalfield areas, according to revised advice on exploration plans.
Surrey planners recommend approval of “unauthorised” oil well drilled in 2017
An oil well drilled in Surrey by Angus Energy more than 18 months ago against council advice should be granted retrospective planning permission, according to a report published this afternoon.
Leith Hill oil site: Europa seeks three more years – plus updates on licence extension and permit
Europa Oil and Gas is seeking more time to drill and test a well at its exploration site near Leith Hill in Surrey.
Forest Enterprise boss refuses to meet residents and MEP at Surrey oil site
The head of Forest Enterprise in England has declined to meet Surrey residents and the local MEP to discuss concerns about oil drilling on the organisation’s land near Dorking.
Cuadrilla completes second shale gas well and prepares to frack as hosepipe ban is announced
Cuadrilla said this morning it had finished drilling the UK’s second horizontal shale gas well and would soon prepare for hydraulic fracturing at the site in Lancashire. The announcement coincided with news that a hose pipe ban for residents in the county would begin on 5 August.
Picture post: Tour de Frack
Cyclists rode between oil drilling sites in the Weald of southern England to raise awareness of their concerns about pollution and industrialisation.
Villagers seek funds to challenge Harthill shale gas approval
Residents have raised half the money they need to begin a legal challenge against the approval of shale gas drilling in the South Yorkshire village of Harthill.
Live news updates: Day 3 of inquiry into Ineos shale gas plans for Marsh Lane
This post has live updates from the third day of the public inquiry into plans by Ineos for shale gas exploration in the Derbyshire village of Marsh Lane. Today’s session will hear from more witnesses for the campaign group, Eckington Against Fracking.
Centrica payment puts Cuadrilla in profit
The shale gas company, Cuadrilla, has recorded an annual profit for the first time following a multi-million dollar payment from partner, Centrica.
Reaction to Lincolnshire oil drilling consents: ‘our concerns are not being heard’, say objectors
Disappointed opponents of oil exploration at two sites in Lincolnshire granted planning consent this morning have complained that councillors did not listen to their objections.
DRILL OR DROP? 