refuse – DRILL OR DROP?

Breaking: Oil companies drop Biscathorpe appeal

By Ruth Hayhurst on December 15, 2025

Partners seeking to produce oil in the protected Lincolnshire Wolds have abandoned their challenge to the refusal of planning permission, a formal statement announced this morning.

Cuadrilla refused more time at Lancs fracking site: company told to “clear up their mess, pack their bags and get out of town”

By Ruth Hayhurst on December 4, 2025

The former fracking company, Cuadrilla, has lost its bid for more time to restore its Lancashire shale gas site at Preston New Road, near Blackpool.

Dorset planners back expansion at suspended oil site

By Ruth Hayhurst on September 17, 2025

Officials have supported plans for more drilling and oil production at a mothballed site in rural Dorset.

Village agrees next phase of fight against fracking plan

By Ruth Hayhurst on June 11, 2025

Villagers in North Yorkshire have agreed to spend more money in their campaign against gas drilling and a form of fracking at Burniston, near Scarborough.

Second council unanimously rejects Burniston gas drilling plans

By Ruth Hayhurst on April 23, 2025

Another council has voted unanimously against plans to drill for gas at Burniston in North Yorkshire.

Shock and anger at Biscathorpe oil production decision

By Ruth Hayhurst on November 6, 2023 • ( 19 Comments )

Campaigners and councillors have said they are shocked that a government-appointed inspector has overturned the refusal of planning permission for long-term oil production in the Lincolnshire Wolds area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

“Oil and gas production will not harm environment or health”, says regulator

By Ruth Hayhurst on June 8, 2023 • ( Leave a comment )

Views are invited on plans for commercial oil and gas production and new drilling at Rathlin Energy’s remote well site at West Newton-A in East Yorkshire.