A well site in North Lincolnshire has a “significant and viable” oil reserve which would benefit the local economy if drilling rights are approved, a planning inquiry has been told.
The inquiry was opened this morning (November 5) in Scunthorpe by government planning inspector, Phillip Ware, into plans to continue to drill for oil near Lodge Farm, Wressle.
Egdon Resources have appealed a decision by North Lincolnshire Council to refuse plans to continue drilling at the site for a further 15 years.
Mr Ware said the authority rejected the plan due to “groundwater contamination” concerns and fears that it could impact on local residents and the local economy,
But, Hereward Phillpot QC, who presented Egdon’s case, said that the company had addressed concerns raised and that the authority had “no proper or reasonable grounds” for refusal.
Representatives from Egdon Resources at the planning inquiry in Scunthorpe. Herewood Phillpot QC (pictured left) presented Egdon Resource’s case. Picture: Calvin Robinson.
Mr Phillpot added that “great weight” should be given to the benefits of the site which has “established a presence of a significant and viable reserve of oil and gas”.
“It would generate both direct and indirect employment, national and local taxation and business rates, and valuable additional business for local suppliers,” he said
“It would also help reduce the need for imported oil.”
The inquiry also heard that Egdon expects production rates of 500 barrels of oil per day and a “high likelihood” of gas volumes to generate onsite electricity.
Mark Abbott, managing director of Egdon, explained that the firm would use two treatment methods, acidisation and proppant squeeze, at the well site before oil operations.
The oil well in Wressle, North Lincolnshire.
The company said acidisation involves an injection of an acid mix through perforations into the surrounding rocks to improve the flow of oil or gas.
While, proppant squeeze is an injection of sand and gelled water under pressure through perforations in the well casing into the surrounding rocks to improve oil and gas flow.
But, campaigner and local resident, Elizabeth Williams, who was speaking against the plan, said both proposals were “risky and untried”.
“The people of North Lincolnshire through their representatives on the planning committee have said no to this development over and over again,” she said.
Campaigners outside the inquiry at the Hobbies Centre, Scunthorpe. Picture: Calvin Robinson.
Local campaigners are expected to make further statements tomorrow (November 6).
The council’s planning committee unanimously rejected the plan back in November 2018, which would have seen Egdon retain the well site for another 15 years.
The proposal would have also allowed the firm to continue exploring for oil and gas.
It was the third time the authority rejected a proposal by the company.
The inquiry is expected to last until Thursday.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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