The legal pushback against a controversial oil and gas project in Surrey takes a significant step forward.
- Protect Dunsfold receives court approval for a statutory review challenging a government green light for exploratory oil drilling.
- The judiciary will examine the inconsistency in the government’s planning decision related to environmental policies.
- The local community, supported by legal and environmental groups, raises concerns over potential ecological impacts.
- A landmark legal case possibly setting a precedent for future fossil fuel projects in protected areas.
In a notable development, Protect Dunsfold, a campaign group, has been granted permission by the Planning Court to pursue a statutory review of a government decision. This decision initially allowed exploratory oil and gas drilling near the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The judicial review will scrutinise the decision of Local Government Secretary Michael Gove, who granted planning permission on appeal after Surrey County Council had refused the application twice.
The legal challenge centres on the government’s decision being at odds with the National Planning Policy Framework. The framework emphasises the importance of preserving the landscape and scenic value of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Protect Dunsfold argues the decision contradicts a 2022 case in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, where a similar application was refused due to high greenhouse gas emissions.
The proposed Surrey project involves constructing and later decommissioning a well site, which includes building an exploratory borehole and associated infrastructure. This site is proximate to the Surrey Hills Area of Great Landscape Value, raising alarm among environmentalists and local residents about its impact on the natural environment and local biodiversity.
Phil Travis, Director of Protect Dunsfold, highlighted the legal recognition of environmental concerns, stating, “It’s great news that we are now able to go ahead with a Judicial review, thus legally challenging the Government’s decision… The Judge’s decision today has emphasised the inconsistencies of the Secretary of State’s decision-making process over fossil fuel exploration schemes.” His sentiments were echoed by Leigh Day solicitor Ricardo Gama who remarked on the irregularities in the government’s decision-making process given the similar case refused due to environmental concerns.
The support from legal firms and the Good Law Project fortifies the case against the drilling, aiming to prioritise climate change and environmental significance in planning decisions. The outcome of this review, expected later this year, is eagerly anticipated as it may influence future decisions regarding energy exploration projects in environmentally sensitive areas.
The statutory review represents a pivotal moment in balancing energy development with environmental preservation.
