Fracking
CPRE calls for more focus on shale oil exploitation implications for Sussex
Written by Michael Brown
Photo © Push Europe
1 August 2014
CPRE calls for more focus on shale oil exploitation implications for Sussex in its submission on WSCC’s proposed new minerals local policy
CPRE Sussex has made representations to West Sussex County Council (WSCC) on the early stage background documents that will inform WSCC and the South Downs National Park Authority in their development of a new joint minerals local plan for Mid Sussex to replace their current (2003) out-of-date plan.
CPRE Sussex's response to Wisborough Green fracking application
Written by CPRE SussexCPRE Chichester District responded strongly to an application by Celtique Energie for "exploratory drilling" for shale gas exploration at Kirdford, West Sussex. (WSCC/083/13/KD).
In the response, Richard Hill of Chichester District warned of potential risks to the local environment, to risks from groundwater pollution and stated that: "the result will be the inevitable destruction of the present quality of life of most residents living near each site."
Download the application and the response below.
CPRE Sussex, Kent and Hampshire team up to respond to Defra Consultation on onshore oil exploration
Written by CPRE SussexIn response to Defra's Consultation on the applicability of integrated pollution prevention and control to onshore oil exploration activities, CPRE Sussex have teamed up with CPRE Kent and CPRE Hampshire to respond to the proposal to limit the Environmental Permitting Regulations to effectively exclude onshore exploration.
CPRE's Response to Weald Shale Gas Report: "We need more guarantees"
Written by CPRE Sussex23 May 2014
The British Geological Survey released a press release on 23 May 2014 unveiling their findings that report estimates that the Weald Basin, a vast area covering around 3,500 square miles in the south including Sussex and the South Downs National Park, could contain between 2.2-8.5billion barrels of oil, equivalent to 290-1,100million tonnes. Read the British Geological Survey Report [PDF].
Nick Clack of CPRE made the following response to the media:
Campaigners call for effective regulation of shale oil exploration
Written by CPRE Sussex3 June 2014
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) today (Tuesday) raises the alarm about Government proposals that would exclude smaller scale shale oil exploration from environmental regulation. A consultation by the Government, which closed yesterday, proposes the removal of its ability and responsibility to regulate smaller scale, but potentially hazardous, onshore oil exploration under the ‘Environmental Permitting Regulations’.
Policy Guidance: Points to address in responding to planning applications for exploratory drilling for gas and oil in Sussex
Written by William ShawThe document below was adopted in April 2015 by the Board of Trustees of CPRE Sussex as its Branch policy on shale gas exploration within the County (covering both exploration that uses fracking techniques and drilling that does not);. Our Branch policy builds on National office policy on fracking, and is intended primarily to guide those responding to planning applications for exploration drilling and flow evaluation permission.
[Page updated Sept 2015]
March 2013
Responding to the government’s Strategic Environmental Assessment environmental report for further onshore oil and gas licensing, CPRE National Office have issued a 14 page document raising fundamental concerns about shale gas exploration and extraction, otherwise known as "fracking".
The report, downloadable below, warns that:
Cuadrilla permit: CPRE's representation to West Sussex CC
Written by Michael Brown
Anti-fracking protests, Balcombe, 2013
© shielabythesa
12 March 2014
Proposed test flow assessments by Cuadrilla at Balcombe: a new permit application is required
CPRE Sussex has made representations to West Sussex County Council which, as minerals planning authority, is considering an application by Cuadrilla Balcombe Limited to permit temporary gas/oil flow testing activity at its Lower Stumble Farm site outside Balcombe in Mid Sussex. This is intended to assist Cuadrilla to determine whether or not the site has future commercial potential. A copy of our 11 March 2014 representation letter can be viewed [Word docx]. This note explains the background to the latest application.
CPRE Sussex response to Fernhurst fracking application
Written by CPRE Sussex
© AREndle
CPRE Sussex has joined those submitting a response to the application by Celtique Energy to drill for oil and gas at Fernhurst, West Sussex. The siteis in the newly created South Downs National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty with an important cultural heritage.
The application SDNP/13/05896/CM can be found on the South Downs Authority's planning portal.
In the response on behalf of CPRE Sussex, chair David Johnson writes:
CPRE Sussex response to national CPRE shale gas policy
Written by CPRE Sussex
© shielabythesea/Flickrshielabythesea/
23 November 2013
Campaign to Protect Rural England National Office has issued guidance on the national approach to shale gas extraction [See: Debate on fracking must proceed with caution to protect our countryside]. CPRE Sussex will be considering its implications and local application to energy company applications for test drilling licences within Sussex that may involve the process known as fracking.
