Europa Oil & Gas, the AIM quoted West Africa, UK and Ireland focused oil and gas exploration, development and production company, notes the decision of the North Yorkshire Council ('NYC') planning committee at its meeting on 24th April that it is minded not to approve the Company’s plan for a well in Burniston on its Cloughton prospect, despite the positive recommendation from the Council’s planning department that the operation should proceed. A final recommendation is pending a decision by the Secretary of State over the need for an environmental screening assessment to be carried out relating to the proposal, despite the Company having already opted to voluntarily complete and submit an environmental screening assessment as part of the planning application.

The Company is disappointed with the committee’s decision, which directly contradicts the NYC planning officers’ endorsement of its plans for the well after an exhaustive review process, and Europa intends to appeal the decision once the final recommendation has been delivered.

The Company is confident that on appeal the planning permission will be approved. Following implementation of the Wressle development, which was approved on appeal, the initial local opposition and concern has disappeared and the local community is now highly supportive. This clearly demonstrates how a well-run operation can be conducted without negatively impacting local amenity and how the community can realise a material benefit.

William Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Europa, said: 'Our planning application for the well at Burniston was underpinned by 13 expert reports and exhaustive preparatory work. It was also recommended by the council’s own planning department. We shall appeal the decision and remain of the view that the well can be safely and efficiently delivered and is in the best interests both of the local community and the country.' 

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Source: Europa Oil & Gas