July 9, 2018 10.27 am This story is over 68 months old

Controversial oil plans resubmitted

Previous proposals sparked demonstrations by campaigners.

The oil well near Wressle, North Lincolnshire.

Controversial plans to drill for oil in North Lincolnshire have been submitted for a third time to the local authority.

Egdon Resources have lodged an application to North Lincolnshire Council to explore for oil at Lodge Farm, near Wressle.

The firm twice had proposals to set up production at the site turned down by councillors at the authority.

The government’s planning inspectorate also turned down an appeal from the company earlier this year.

Now, Egdon have submitted a new application for the site and have said the proposal “comprehensively” addresses previous reasons for refusal.

An investigation report into the ground condition at the site will be included in the plan following concerns raised by the planning inspectorate.

Further food risk assessments will also be included in the application.

Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Egdon, said that the firm had worked to address the concerns raised.

He said:  “The proposed development incorporates high levels of protection measures to minimise the potential for any environmental or other impacts from our operations.

“The effectiveness of this mitigation will be verified by continuous monitoring of the nearby water and groundwater.

“We hope that North Lincolnshire Council will recognise the positive changes made to the proposed development when determining this planning application and we remain available to address any remaining questions or concerns which may arise during the consultation and determination process.”

Egdon added that, if the application is approved, the company plans to establish a liaison group and a community fund to ensure local people are kept fully informed.

Previous proposals have seen demonstrations by campaigners who said the firm’s plans lacked sufficient information.

The resubmission comes as Egdon had two plans to extend oil drilling in North Kelsey and Biscathorpe approved by Lincolnshire County Council.