UK Celtique Energie Criticises Application Rejection in Sussex

UK-focused Celtique Energie criticised South Downs National Park Authority’s decision to turn down application to undertake exploratory drilling to quantify the amount of untapped oil and gas resources in West of Fernhurst, Sussex. 

“We believe SDNPA officers appear to have made their recommendation and the committee appears to have made its decision based on a subjective and unjustified interpretation of planning guidance. The decision fails to take into consideration the importance of this project to the nation and the comprehensive steps Celtique would be taking to ensure that all exploration work would be done sensitively during the very temporary period we would be working in the National Park,” Geoff Davies, Chief Executive Officer of Celtique Energie, commented in a note released on Thursday. 

According to the company, the area would have been the best available location to quantify reserves in this part of the Weald Basin. 

“Government, including the Prime Minister and several energy ministers, has repeatedly stated that ‘we are all in this together’ when it comes to oil and gas exploration in the UK. However, given today’s decision and the recent planning refusal by West Sussex County Council at Wisborough Green, we appear to be arriving at a scenario whereby, in the face of Government policy, operators are being deliberately prevented from exploring in the south-east of England.”

In July, the West Sussex County Council refused London-based Celtique Energie’s application for Wisborough Green, explaining that the applicant did not prove that the site represented the best option.