An oil well plan in North Lincolnshire should be rejected in order to “recognise the severe threat of climate breakdown”, a planning inquiry has heard.
Campaigners and local residents against a plan to continue to drill for oil and gas in Wressle told the inquiry that fossil fuels explored for at the site should “remain in the ground”.
Egdon Resources has appealed a decision by North Lincolnshire Council to refuse plans to retain the well near Lodge Farm for a further 15 years.
Andrew McLeod, a local resident and environmental campaigner, said a “rapid and deep cut” in carbon emissions was needed and argued that the proposal would make the matter worse.
“It’s time to choose between fossil fuels and a tolerable climate, we cannot have both,” he said.
The opening of the Wressle oil well inquiry at the Hobbies Centre, Scunthorpe. Picture: Calvin Robinson.
“Fixing this [carbon emissions] is a massive challenge but it’s possible, provided we stop literally pouring fuel on the fire by allowing the fossil fuel industry to continue bringing new reserves of oil and gas on-stream.
“Dismissing this appeal would be a significant step in the right direction.”
He added that the planning system “should recognise the severe threat of climate breakdown” by refusing the plan.
Meanwhile, Rebecca Fawcett, who lives in the village, said that residents would have to contend with noise, smell and pollution due to the well.
She added that she was concerned that the plan would have an effect on local wildlife.
The oil well in Wressle, North Lincolnshire.
“If we want to thrive, then we need to let nature thrive as well,” she said.
James Dodds, chairperson of Envireau Ltd, gave evidence to the inquiry on hydrogeology and water management.
He said the development did not “constitute an unacceptable risk to groundwater or surface water by virtue of infiltration or runoff”.
Hereward Phillpot QC, who presented Egdon’s case, told the inquiry that the company had addressed concerns raised and that the authority had “no proper or reasonable grounds” for refusal.
The government’s planning inspector, Phillip Ware, is expected to make a site visit to the well and hear closing statements tomorrow.
Mr Ware said his decision on the plan following the closure of the inquiry will be made after the General Election (December 12).
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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.