Consultation Opens for Draft Permit on Cloughton Gas Project: Have Your Say!

Europa Oil and Gas Limited has submitted an application for a temporary exploration wellsite, referred to as Cloughton 2, located near Burniston in North Yorkshire. The aim of this initiative is to drill a test borehole to evaluate the viability of conventional gas extraction in the area.

Public Consultation Announced

The Environment Agency has announced the commencement of a public consultation, effective from today, regarding its draft decision to grant an environmental permit for the Cloughton 2 site. This consultation will last for six weeks, inviting local residents to provide their feedback prior to a final decision being made.

This step follows a thorough assessment of the application put forward by Europa Oil and Gas Limited. The proposed project includes the potential use of a well stimulation method known as proppant squeeze. This technique aims to enhance gas flow from rock formations by injecting a gelled water-based fluid mixed with sand into the well under pressure, thereby creating small fractures in the rock.

It is important to note that while this method operates on principles similar to hydraulic fracturing, it is distinct from the shale gas hydraulic fracturing activities currently subject to a Government suspension.

Planning Permission Context

In May 2026, the North Yorkshire Council denied planning permission for the proposed project. However, it is crucial to understand that planning permission and environmental permitting are governed by separate legal frameworks, each with its own specific responsibilities and criteria.

The local planning authority is tasked with determining the permissibility of a development under planning law, while the Environment Agency focuses on ensuring that proposed activities comply with environmental legislation, assessing whether they can be conducted without causing unacceptable harm to individuals or the environment.

Due to these distinct regulatory frameworks, the Environment Agency is legally obligated to evaluate the permit application independently of the planning authority’s decision.

Evaluating Community Feedback

The draft decision is the result of a comprehensive technical evaluation conducted by specialist officers, who have reviewed the operator’s application, accompanying technical documentation, and the responses collected during an earlier public consultation.

This consultation serves as a platform for the community to express their views on the draft decision before it is finalised. The Environment Agency will take all relevant feedback into account prior to reaching its final determination.

Recognising that the consultation period coincides with the summer holidays, it will extend beyond the usual timeframe, allowing residents ample opportunity to review the documents and share their comments.

Agency’s Commitment to Public Safety

Ian Foster, Area Manager for Yorkshire at the Environment Agency, highlighted the significant public interest surrounding this application, especially following the local planning authority’s refusal of planning permission. He clarified the Agency’s distinct legal role in this matter, stating, “Our responsibility is to independently assess whether the application meets the requirements of environmental legislation and whether the proposed activities can be conducted without unacceptable risks to people or the environment.”

Foster emphasised that the Agency’s assessment is grounded in evidence, and the rationale behind the draft decision has been made public. He encouraged stakeholders to thoroughly review the consultation documents and submit their opinions before the final decision is rendered.

The Environment Agency may only decline an environmental permit application if it fails to meet one or more legal criteria outlined in environmental legislation, particularly if the proposed activities would pose an unacceptable risk to public safety or ecological integrity. If the legal requirements are satisfied, the Agency is compelled to issue the permit.

Consultation Details and Accessibility

The consultation will remain open until 23rd September. All relevant documents can be accessed via the Environment Agency’s Citizen Space consultation website, where residents are encouraged to submit their comments online. Those who cannot access the information digitally can contact the Environment Agency at 03708 506 506 for assistance.