It's 10 years since Cuadrilla first tried and we still have a fossil fuel company trying to elbow its way into Balcombe. Haven’t they noticed the climate has changed?

Balcombe Parish Council has said NO since 2015, and in March 2020 WSCC planners said NO. Their reasons? It is not in the public interest to have a major development in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the residual need for hydrocarbons can be met elsewhere.

Angus Energy are trying again

Make your voice heard and continue to insist that it is not in the public interest to explore for oil, particularly not so close to residents. The number of objections is VITAL to demonstrate this.

Reasons to object:

HGV traffic:
Significant increase in HGVs close to the school on the B2036. Many of the HGVs are 6-axle vehicles that take up the entire length of the school as they wait to go down London Road. They cross both sides of the road as they turn into the site, and many are so tall they risk hitting the low slung power lines. Picture shows lorries about to pass the school whose outdoor classrooms are only a pavement width from the road.

Flaring:
Angus will have a flare on site for a year. The site is below the village and the prevailing wind will blow pollutants straight towards residents

Risk to water and geology:
An independent hydrology report found that the oil well was not sound in all sections which ‘increases the risk to groundwater quality’. Angus’ ‘understanding of risk to groundwater systems (………) is wholly inadequate’ (Tapajos Hydrology report 2019).

Seismic risk:
Oil developments in the Weald and elsewhere have been associated with and proved to cause earthquakes

Not temporary:
Each time an oil company works here it sets a precedent for more work to follow. They are flow-testing for oil and will be producing oil in the hope they can apply for further production. This will mean more disruption to locals for little gain.

Climate Change:
WSCC will be going against efforts to meet climate change. Given climate concerns this work is outdated. Energy can be produced in less destructive renewable ways.

Balcombe needs objections, and we need them before the consultation closes on September 28th. Say NO now!
https://westsussex.planning-register.co.uk/Planning/Comment/WSCC/045/20

You can email your objection to planning.applications@westsussex.gov.uk quoting reference number, WSCC/045/20
0r by post to: County Planning, West Sussex County Council, Chichester, PO19 1RH
You must include your name and address and specify ‘objection’ . You don't even need to write any comments. Children CAN object, it is their future after all.