Environment Secretary blocks oil drilling in the Surrey Hills to protect ancient woodland
The Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, has refused to renew a lease of land for oil drilling in Surrey because of the damage it could do to ancient woodland.
EA grants new permit for Balcombe oil site – but orders work before flow test can start
The Environment Agency announced this afternoon it had granted a new permit for the oil exploration site at Balcombe in West Sussex.
Updated: Cuadrilla warned over another environmental breach at Lancashire fracking site
Permit breaches at Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road fracking site have risen to at least six, online publication of a report has confirmed.
Surrey campaigners shocked by approval of disputed Brockham oil well
Opponents of an unauthorised oil well drilled at Brockham in Surrey were visibly shocked by a vote to grant retrospective planning permission today.
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.
Residents uncover regulatory loophole at Surrey oil site
A resident’s group in Surrey has discovered a loophole in oil and gas regulations that allow some wells to be stimulated or used for reinjection without specific controls.
Disappointment at no plan for further groundwater monitoring at former fracking sites
Campaigners against fracking in Lancashire have said they are disappointed to hear there will no further groundwater monitoring at two of Cuadrilla’s former shale gas sites.
Third Energy warned over two more permit breaches at fracking site
Bunding designed to prevent pollution at Third Energy’s fracking site at Kirby Misperton was in such a poor state during part of last month that it would not contain a spill, according to a warning from the Environment Agency.
Angus Energy confirmed as operator of Balcombe licence – company announces
Angus Energy has said the Oil & Gas Authority has approved its application to operate the Balcombe exploration licence, taking over from Cuadrilla.
Campaigners seek legal challenge to Cuadrilla’s fracking permit
Friends of the Earth is taking legal action against the Environment Agency over the way it granted Cuadrilla a permit to frack in Lancashire.
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