Campaigners against oil and gas operations across southern England gathered in celebration outside a site which was refused planning permission last week.

West Sussex councillors turned down the application by UK Oil & Gas (UKOG) for a fifth extension of consent for the Broadford Bridge site near Billingshurst.  

It must now be restored to farmland, unless UKOG successfully appeals against the decision.

Broadford Bridge has been mothballed since 2018.

But during drilling and testing seven years ago, opponents met regularly outside the site for “cake at the gate” protests.

Local campaigners were joined today by opponents of operations at Balcombe and Markwells Wood in West Sussex and Horse Hill and Dunsfold in Surrey, first at nearby Adversane and then at the gate.

A spokesperson for Broadford Bridge Action Group said today:

‘It was a wonderful to see so many campaigners turn out from across the local area and the Weald to celebrate the fact that West Sussex County Council [WSCC] finally saw sense, refusing to grant a further licence extension to UKOG.

“It’s the right decision for nature and for taxpayers. The company now needs to get on with fulfilling its legal duty to restore the site instead of appealing against WSCC’s decision to oppose their spurious plan for the site. We will be monitoring the situation closely.”

UKOG had said it wanted to keep Broadford Bridge suspended until 2026 while it continued to review the prospects of two other sites, at Horse Hill and Dunsfold. It also suggested that the Broadford Bridge well could be used to generate geothermal heat for agriculture, including tea production.

In its annual report, published today, UKOG said:

“We still want to assess the viability of using the site and the Broadford Bridge-1z well to harness geothermal heat and power. The Company will further consider its position and has six months in which to lodge an appeal should it so decide.”

The company added: “commercial discussions continue with CeraPhi Energy regarding potential for a geothermal energy agriculture project incorporating the Broadford Bridge asset”.

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