Fracking
UKOG withdraws its application for oil extraction at Markwells Wood within the National Park
Written by CPRE Sussex
Markwells Wood locals photographed in Oct 2016
© Markwells Wood Watch
UK Oil and Gas (UKOG) has written to the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) to withdraw their application to drill for oil at Markwells Wood – due to be heard at committee on 11th May 2017.
New methods for hydrocarbon exploration at Broadford Bridge, Billingshurst
Written by CPRE SussexKimmeridge Oil & Gas Limited’s (KOGL) has made an application to the Environment Agency (EA) for a variation to their permit for Broadford Bridge 1, Billinghurst, for hydrocarbon exploration. We have written to the EA as part of the public consultation to raise our concerns. We think these changes require a whole new planning application and so have written to West Sussex County Council to make this point.
CPRE Sussex has submitted comments on the West Sussex County Council and South Downs National Park draft Joint Minerals Plan.
CPRE Sussex comments to the Draft West Sussex Joint Minerals Local Plan (April 2016)
Written by CPRE SussexCPRE Sussex have commented on the West Sussex County Council consultation document: "Draft West Sussex Joint Minerals Local Plan (April 2016)".
Download a copy of our submission below.
Petition: Reverse the decision to allowing fracking under our national parks.
Written by CPRE Sussex
Over 30,000 people have already signed this petition: "A bill has been passed that will allow fracking under our national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Once underway, this will cause damage to scenery, wildlife, increase pollution in these fragile areas and create congestion on country roads. Sign this petition to save our countryside!"
Add your name at petition.parliament.uk
Anger as ministers open door to fracking under South Downs
Written by CPRE Sussex
Photo @ BiteYourBum.com Photography
Countryside Campaigners in Sussex have reacted angrily to today’s government decision to allow deep fracking under the county’s best loved beauty spots. This afternoon (Dec 16) MPs voted 298 to 261 in favour of allowing drilling at depths of more than 1,200m under sensitive areas like The South Downs National Park and Ashdown Forest.
Andrea Leadsom MP, Minister of State, Department of Energy & Climate Change replied on behalf of Amber Rudd, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, to letter from David Johnson, Chair, CPRE Sussex. Download the letter below.
Letter published by the West Sussex County Times 19 November 2015
Sir,
When is a Frack not a Frack? When is a Ban not a Ban?
When is a Frack not a Frack? When is a Ban not a Ban? When it comes to the subject of unconventional oil and gas drilling, it seems Ministers are just as confused as the rest of us. One minute fracking is allowed in National Parks, and then it isn’t. A few weeks later and drilling is allowed to take place in National Parks so long as the well pad is constructed just outside the boundary. Despite the mounting pile of conflicting statements issued by Government Ministers and Departments, South Downs MP Nick Herbert stated with some certainty in a recent article that fracking would be banned in our most protected landscapes, though horizontal drilling underneath would still be permitted, but only at great depths. In the past week, DECC have issued another consultation on proposals to restrict drilling in other protected landscapes such as SSSIs (though Ancient Woodland and local designations such as SNCIs still appear to be excluded).
Anti-fracking campaigners in Kirdford and Wisborough are celebrating after the secretary of state for communities and local government ordered fracking company Celtique Energy to pay legal costs.
Letter to Sussex MPs: "Tell Amber Rudd to ban fracking in the Wealden Basin"
Written by CPRE SussexDraft letter to all Sussex MPs
Dear [ ],
Draft Onshore Hydraulic Fracturing (Protected Zone) Regulations 2015
We are writing to you and all other Sussex constituency MPs to ask you to press the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy & Climate Change to reconsider the proposed scope of these draft regulations.
