Europa Oil and Gas appeals Cloughton well refusal

Europa Oil & Gas has formally appealed to the secretary of state against North Yorkshire Council’s decision to reject its application for an onshore gas appraisal well. The company had previously indicated it would challenge the Local Planning Authority’s refusal, which was issued in May, expressing confidence that the appeal would result in approval. This move follows the council’s rejection of the plan to drill at the Cloughton development, a decision Europa claims contradicted the advice of its own planning officers.

In a statement, the company noted that the refusal went against recommendations made by the council’s officers. These officials had advised approval after analysing the application and reports from 13 independent experts, all of which supported the proposal. Europa submitted its application last year, proposing the use of well stimulation techniques, specifically proppant squeeze, to enhance oil and gas flow from the well. The company maintains that the planning process was rigorous and that the expert evidence strongly favoured the project.

Despite the planning setback, Europa is continuing to progress a separate environmental permitting process for the well. The company is also seeking a farm-in partner to help fund the appraisal work. This development comes as Europa reported flat revenues in the first half of the year, with the firm now looking to a pivotal second half to drive progress on its operational plans.