Draft permit consultation opens on Cloughton gas proposal
The UK Environment Agency has opened a public consultation on a draft permit to allow Europa Oil and Gas Limited to drill a test borehole near Burniston, North Yorkshire, using a well stimulation technique distinct from hydraulic fracturing.
The Environment Agency has launched a consultation on its draft decision to grant an environmental permit for Cloughton 2, a temporary exploration wellsite proposed by Europa Oil and Gas Limited near Burniston. The company seeks to drill a test borehole to assess conventional gas extraction potential, including the use of a proppant squeeze technique to enhance gas flow. This method differs from hydraulic fracturing, which is currently suspended under government policy. The consultation allows the public to review and comment on the draft decision before a final determination is made.
The consultation follows a technical assessment of Europa Oil and Gas Limited’s application, including supporting documents and responses from an earlier public consultation. The Environment Agency emphasizes that its role is to independently evaluate whether the proposal meets environmental legislation and poses no unacceptable risks to people or the environment. The agency notes that planning permission and environmental permitting are separate processes, with different legal tests and responsibilities.
The consultation period has been extended due to the summer holiday season, running until September 23 to provide additional time for public review. The Environment Agency acknowledges significant public interest in the application, particularly following North Yorkshire Council’s refusal of planning permission in May 2026. The agency reiterates that its assessment is evidence-based and that it will only refuse a permit if the proposal fails to meet legal requirements or poses unacceptable risks.
All consultation documents are available on the Environment Agency’s Citizen Space platform, and residents can submit comments online or by phone. The agency states that it is legally required to issue a permit if the application meets environmental legislation standards, even if planning permission has been refused. The final decision will be made after considering all consultation responses and technical assessments.