Update – New application submitted and unanimously refused. Angus to appeal.
Ownership of this site has now passed to Angus Energy who conducted 7 days of testing in Sept 2018. Read more…
After its planning permission for flow testing expired in May 2017, Cuadrilla Resources has re-applied for permission to flow test and flare at the Balcombe well which was drilled the summer of 2013.
Previously Cuadrilla secured permission to return to the site to Flow Test and Flare. A group of Balcombe residents lost a High Court battle to overturn the planning permission.
In 1986 energy company Conoco drilled a conventional exploration well on the Lower Stumble site situated half a mile from Balcombe village. With the advent of high volume hydraulic fracturing, Unconventional Gas Exploration company Cuadrilla Resources returned to the site with the intention to frack for shale oil and gas.
West Sussex County Council granted planning permission by delegated decision on the 23rd April 2010. On the 23rd July 2013 a drill rig and initial equipment arrived on site and on the 25th July 2013 residents of Balcombe and Sussex converge to blockade the drill site and resist Cuadrillas activities. The Great Gas Gala website provided information about the blockade! You can read the full story here…
Planning Applications
Click on the column headers to reorder table columns.
| Licensee | Planning ID | Notes | Submitted | Decision | Status | Consultation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angus Energy | WSCC/027/10/BA | To upgrade existing stoned platform and drill an exploratory borehole for oil and gas exploration | 25/01/2010 | 15/02/2010 | Expired | Closed |
| Angus Energy | WSCC/005/14/BA | Temporary permission for exploration and appraisal comprising the flow testing and monitoring of the existing hydrocarbon lateral borehole along with site security fencing, the provision of an enclosed testing flare and site restoration. | 21/01/2014 | 13/03/2014 | Expired | Closed |
| Angus Energy | WSCC/040/17/BA | Temporary permission for exploration and appraisal comprising the flow testing and monitoring of the existing hydrocarbon lateral borehole along with site security fencing, the provision of an enclosed testing flare and site restoration | 27/10/2017 | 10/01/2018 | Expired | Closed |
| Angus Energy | WSCC/045/20 | Temporary permission for exploration and appraisal comprising the removal of drilling fluids and subsequent engineering works with an extended well test for hydrocarbons along with site security fencing and site restoration | 26/08/2020 | 10/03/2021 | Rejected | Closed |
Environmental Permits
Click on the column headers to reorder table columns.
| Licensee | Permit ID | Notes | Comments open | Comments deadline | Status | Consultation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angus Energy | EPR/PB3439DP/A001 | Application from Cuadrilla Resources for an environmental permit for the accumulation and disposal of radioactive waste at Balcombe site | 13/07/2013 | 13/08/2013 | Granted | Closed |
| Angus Energy | EPR/AB3307XD/A001 | Application from Cuadrilla Resources for an environmental permit for the management of extractive mining waste at Balcombe site | 16/07/2013 | 16/08/2013 | Granted | Closed |
| Angus Energy | EPR/AB3307XD/A001/VAR | Application to vary EPR/AB3307XD/A001 mineral waste permit. | 24/03/2017 | 25/04/2017 | Application | Closed |