UK Oil and Gas’s (UKOG), whose application for two exploratory boreholes in Arreton were turned down by the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee last night, say they are considering whether or not to appeal the decision.
Members of the Planning Committee voted unanimously to reject the application, citing the harm they believe it would cause to the tourist industry and the Biosphere reserve status as well as the lack of benefit to the Island’s economy.
UKOG “Disappointed” by decision
UKOG released a statement today (Wednesday) saying it is disappointed by the Isle of Wight Council’s Planning Committee decision which goes against last week’s recommendation by the council’s planning officers to approve the project.
The Company says they will now consider its position and whether to lodge an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.
Sanderson: Several new projects
UKOG’s chief executive, Stephen Sanderson, said,
“This decision underscores UKOG’s change of focus over the past year towards the international arena for oil and gas, plus its new direction into geothermal and hydrogen-based energy in the UK.
“In accordance with the Company’s stated growth strategy, plans and evaluations are reasonably advanced in several new projects designed to grow the Company in these new areas.”
Ellis: Will call on Secretary of State
Following the meeting, the ward councillor, Suzie Ellis, said that in the event of an appeal by the applicant she’ll will be writing to the Secretary of State asking that he “recovers” the decision for his own determination.
“It is important that an application that goes to the heart of the Government’s policy agenda is decided by those who are politically accountable, just as we were here last night.
“I am making this intention clear now, so that the applicant can decide whether pursuing an appeal, of what has been a unanimous refusal this evening, is a worthwhile step.”
Image: © Oil & Gas Council
