No 42 - 4th August 2026 - ROUND UP SUMMARY
 

NYC refused planning permission for the drilling application in Burniston see details here, Europa Oil and Gas Ltd say they intend to appeal and have up to the end of November to do so.

In the meantime, the Environment Agency are 'Minded' to approve permit for gas drilling and fracking and have started a consultation process which ends 23rd September 2026.

FFCC have prepared as much as possible in case of an appeal. The steering committee met yesterday and are carrying out an action plan regarding the EA consultation. We are working on our advice to you on how to appeal.

EA CONSULTATION ON DRAFT PERMIT FOR BURNISTON
 

We have until 23rd September 2026 to respond to the EA consultation. Please go ahead with your objections if you feel able to. In the meantime the steering committee is compiling instructions and grounds that will help you if you prefer to wait.

This is the draft decision to grant permits to drill and frack for gas in Burniston from the Environment Agency.  Also a document to tell you how to submit your response.

Drill or Drop have written this article explaining the current situation and some of the background information. These articles - also by Ruth Hayhurst at Drill or Drop - highlight past objections from Frack Free Coastal Communities and Europa's response.

Interestingly, the EA initially objected to the planning application - view their objection here. Europa then responded to defend its planning application, which resulted in the EA withdrawing its objection to the planning application.

Alison Hume (MP) sent this letter to all her constituents who have written to her about the matter.

Dear Clare

I am writing to provide you with an update regarding Europa Oil and Gas's small-scale fracking application in Burniston, an issue you have previously contacted me about.

I have recently received correspondence from the Environment Agency (EA) regarding the environmental permit application submitted by Europa Oil and Gas for the drilling of an exploratory borehole to assess gas potential at a site in Burniston, near Scarborough.

The EA has advised that, following its assessment of the application and consultation responses received, it has completed a draft permit decision and is satisfied that the operator can comply with the proposed permit conditions and has systems in place to operate without causing harm to the environment, human health or wildlife. As a result, it is now launching a second public consultation on its draft decision.

After registering strong opposition from myself and the community to the proposals, North Yorkshire Council decided to reject Europa Oil and Gas's planning application for this development in May 2026. Planning permission and environmental permits are separate legal requirements, administered by different organisations. While the EA may determine an environmental permit application, development could not proceed without the necessary planning consent. Both planning permission and an environmental permit would be required for the project to go ahead.

The public consultation is open from today until 23 September 2026, and interested parties can submit comments on the EA's draft permit decision during this period. Following the consultation, the EA will review all relevant representations before making its final decision.

The consultation documents can be viewed online by following this link.

I will be submitting my comments on the EA's draft permit decision and highlighting my concerns about Europa's plans to carry out small-scale fracking, which contains the same risks as small-scale fracking, on the edge of the North York Moors.

Given the level of concern that many local residents have expressed about this proposal, I have also written to the relevant Minister to make them aware of these developments and of the strength of feeling among constituents. I will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep in contact with the relevant authorities as the process moves forward.

Thank you again for contacting me previously on this matter. I wanted to ensure you were made aware of this latest consultation and the opportunity to make your views known should you wish to do so. I will continue to keep you updated on any developments, if you no longer wish to receive these updates, please let my office know.
 

Yours sincerely,

Alison

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PLEASE HELP OUR FELLOW CAMPAIGNERS

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WEST NEWTON:  help by donating here go fund me page to help West Newton. See newsletter 40 for full details.

FOXHOLES: Drawing a Line in the Chalk on Facebook. Please object by writing to planning.control@northyorks.gov.uk reference REF:NY/2025/0113/FUL.  You could also write to the MP Kevin Hollinrake and the NYC ward councillor Email: cllr.janet.sanderson@northyorks.gov.uk regarding lack of support and to show your feelings.  See newsletter 40 for full details.

EBBERSTON:  See details here in a Drill or Drop article. The oil and gas company held an open meeting Thursday 9 July 2026.

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FUND RAISING AND FUN EVENTS

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