Campaigners outside the inquiry at the Hobbies Centre, Scunthorpe. Picture: Calvin Robinson.
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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A man has been arrested as police continue to investigate a shop burglary and subsequent car fire in Cleethorpes.
The burglary took place at a shop on St Peter’s Avenue in Cleethorpes at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 18.
It was reported that damage was caused to fencing at the back of the store and a man broke into the shop, stealing two cash registers.
A staff member was inside the shop at the time and left shaken by the incident, but was fortunately not injured.
A car, which was reported stolen in October last year, was found to have been set alight on Coulbeck Drive 15 minutes later. An item believed to be a cash register drawer was found inside.
Police said one man was arrested in connection with the reports. He was released under investigation whilst police continue their enquiries.
The force also published a CCTV image of a suspect, who they wish to speak to.
Anyone who recognises the man, or who saw a male setting a car alight in the area, should contact Humberside Police on 101 quoting log number 456 of February 18.
Alternatively, it can be reported through the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Triton Knoll wind farm off the Lincolnshire coast has successfully generated renewable electricity for the first time.
The project, which is located 32km off the Lincolnshire coast, is being constructed out of Able Seaton Port while operations and maintenance will be out of Grimsby.
This follows the installation of the first of the project’s 90 wind turbines in January 2021 and the successful energisation of the transmission system.
The wind farm will have a maximum installed capacity of 857 megawatts. Once fully operational it will be the most powerful in the global fleet of the electricity generation company RWE.
It will be capable of powering the equivalent of over 800,000 UK homes.
The first turbine installed at Triton Knoll.
Julian Garnsey, Project Director for Triton Knoll and RWE, said: “It’s fantastic to see Triton Knoll generating clean renewable electricity for the first time.
“I would like to thank the entire project team and all our supply chain partners for achieving this milestone safely and on time despite the significant challenges presented by the global pandemic.”
Flemming Ougaard, SVP, Head of Global Offshore & Construction at Vestas, said: “We are delighted that our V164-9.5 MW turbines are now generating first power at Triton Knoll.
“This project is a key milestone for Vestas, as we are installing some of the first 9.5 MW turbines off the UK coast with blades supplied from our Isle of Wight and Fawley facilities.
“With pre-assembly taking place at Able Seaton Port as well, this project is truly delivering for the UK, and powering UK homes with clean, offshore wind energy.”
The Offshore Transformer Module being delivered on Lincolnshire’s coast. | Photo: Triton Knoll
Almost 90% of children applying to Lincolnshire secondary schools will receive a place at their first choice.
Some 8,302 children applied this year, with 97% of all applicants receiving one of their three school preferences.
Some 87.8% (7,285) will receive a place at their first choice school. However, because of appeals and movement on the reserve list, it is likely that more children will be offered a place at their first choice school by the time they start in September.
Currently, 8.3% (686) have been offered a place at their second preference, with 1.1% (87) being given a spot at their third choice.
Some 243 children (2.9%) who haven’t got one of their preferred schools will be offered a place at the closest school in Lincolnshire with spaces available.
Parents have until 12pm on March 29 to lodge an appeal if they are unhappy with the offered school.
Councillor Mrs Patricia Bradwell, Executive Councillor for Children’s Services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “It is good to see so many families receiving offers at their first preference school again and this figure is likely to be even higher by September.
“It is always our intention to support parents to make the application process as easy as possible and it is nice to see an increasing number of parents using the online parent portal to make their application and receive their offer on national offer day.”
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