IGas will today be told if it can move ahead with its plan to drill two onshore wells in England.
The Nottinghamshire County Council will deliver its verdict later this afternoon. Planning officials recommended it be given the green light.
However, campaigners have warned they will fight any go-ahead decision – based on how it will affect nearby owls.
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has said it will bring legal action against the firm, because it believes noise from the drilling operations would violate a 1969 legal covenant allowing it to prevent “noisy, noxious or damaging activity” in the area.
The trust said operations would have a negative effect on nearby wildlife, including owls, which are located about 400ft from the site.
However, an IGas spokesperson said: “The Planning Officer’s report makes reference to the restrictive covenant that it is not a consideration in the determination of the planning application. Additionally, Natural England has statutory responsibility for the SSSI and they are satisfied with the proposals.”
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