Activists have been granted approval to dispute proposals for a fresh oil deposit in a designated area of exceptional natural beauty – which they argue jeopardizes one of the United Kingdom’s “unseen countryside gems”.

The proposed oil-drilling operation is in Biscathorpe in the Lincolnshire Wolds, an important habitat for nature and wildlife that has been officially designated an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

In 2021, the local council denied the plans, but the oil company Egdon challenged the decision. In November, the government’s Planning Inspectorate reversed the decision, causing anger among community members and environmental activists.

Campaigners have recently been authorized to pursue a legal review of the judgement in the higher court.

A local activist named Amanda Suddaby, belonging to the SOS Biscathorpe campaign, expressed her admiration for the scenic landscape of the area. Despite the common misconception that Lincolnshire is flat, Suddaby highlights the beauty of the rolling hills and valleys of Lincolnshire Wold. She also emphasizes the unfortunate reality that this landscape is currently under threat.

Many have criticized the government’s decision to continue granting permission for oil and gas extraction while facing a climate crisis. This goes against the advice of their climate advisers, the International Energy Agency, and numerous experts and scientists who believe that allowing for new oil and gas exploration will make it impossible to achieve the goal of limiting global heating to 1.5C above preindustrial levels.

However, Rishi Sunak has declared his commitment to fully utilize the United Kingdom’s oil reserves, moving forward with significant developments in the North Sea and three additional onshore drilling projects in England.

The Biscathorpe campaign is being backed by Dale Vince, an environmentally-conscious entrepreneur. Vince criticized the UK government for being focused on fossil fuels and attempting to bypass the local planning process. He believes that the government is disregarding the urgency of the climate crisis, economic conditions, and the opinions of local residents.

This type of leadership is not beneficial for our country. Instead of investing in outdated industries, we should focus on the new economy that generates twice as many jobs and almost triple the GDP growth. Why are we not prioritizing this?

According to Suddaby, the proposed construction of an oil well was met with disapproval from the local community. “Despite objections from all levels of local decision-making, those in power are choosing to disregard them.”

She mentioned the presence of a unique and environmentally significant chalk stream in the vicinity, and upon learning of the proposal, individuals often experience agitation and displeasure… and in most cases, they are astonished.

It was believed that regulatory agencies and the government had our best interests in mind, but it is unsettling to discover that this is not true.

Julia Eriksen, from Leigh Day solicitors, who is representing the campaigners in court, said they would argue that the secretary of state had acted unlawfully and irrationally in overturning Lincolnshire county council’s decision to refuse planning permission.

The local Conservative Member of Parliament, Victoria Atkins, expressed her opposition to the proposed plans in 2021, stating that they would lead to the industrialization of the Lincolnshire Wolds. She also noted the importance of being cautious in considering the long-term effects on the natural environment and local communities as the UK works towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

The current health secretary, Atkins, did not reply when questioned if she still disagreed with the suggestions.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero refused to provide a comment on the matter, choosing instead to release a statement defending the UK’s choice to prioritize maximum utilization of oil and gas amidst the ongoing climate crisis.

A representative from the department suggested that the Guardian seek information from the Planning Inspectorate, but the Inspectorate refused to make a statement due to an ongoing legal dispute.

The CEO of Egdon, Mark Abbott, stated that they do not wish to drill in an AONB but do not have control over the location of oil.

He mentioned that there were very thorough safeguards in place to preserve the surrounding environment.

“We are pleased to organize a visit for the local community to see the site during the implementation of these crucial protection measures. This will give them the opportunity to witness firsthand the high level of environmental responsibility that Egdon strives for.”

Source: theguardian.com