UK Oil and Gas Investment (UKOG) has “temporarily withdrawn” a planning application to drill for oil at Markwells Wood in West Sussex.
The firm had planned to submit its application to the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) at a committee meeting on May 11.
But, due to a last minute request by the Environmental Agency (EA) on April 4 for UKOG to supply further evidence backing up a groundwater risk assessment, they asked for the meeting to be moved forward to June.
This was “disappointingly” refused by the SDNPA and the company are now looking to resubmit their application after they are able to gather more data and continue a dialogue with the EA.
Stephen Sanderson, UKOG’s executive chairman, said: “Given the potential sensitivity of the Markwells Wood site to the adjacent chalk groundwater system, it is in the public interest that this subject be investigated as thoroughly as possible prior to any further site activity.
“Whilst the refusal of SDNPA to accommodate this important step is somewhat unsatisfactory, we look forward to concluding this matter with the EA and resubmitting the application as soon as practicable.
“Our target of drilling Markwells Wood by Q2 2019 is unlikely to be affected.”
The company said they now intend to apply for a full EA permit covering the first phase of the development and will include this as part of their resubmitted planning application.
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