Oil drilling plan for South Downs

Separate permission would be needed to pump oil if it was found

An oil company is seeking permission to drill in an area of ancient woodland under the South Downs.

Northern Petroleum wants temporary three-year consent to test for oil in Markwells Wood in the village of Forestside, near Chichester.

A report to West Sussex County Council planning committee on Tuesday recommends it approves the application.

The Woodland Trust has objected to the proposal because it considers the site to be "irreplaceable".

Council officers say there is a "clear and overriding need" for oil exploration and that the development accords with the National Minerals Policy.

If the application is approved, drilling would mean the loss of about one hectare of ancient woodland in an area which falls inside the proposed South Downs National Park, and is designated an area of outstanding natural beauty.

We would consider it as the equivalent in terms of importance to a rainforest Steve Marsh Woodland Trust

Northern Petroleum, an operator of both onshore and offshore projects, would seek permission for further testing or extraction if its 36m (118ft) drilling rig found oil.

"This is in ancient woodland which we consider to be irreplaceable," said Woodland Trust spokesman Steve Marsh.

"It's our richest habitat for species in the UK and we would consider it as the equivalent in terms of importance to a rainforest.

"What has concerned us about this proposal is that West Sussex County Council's own ecologist and landscape officers have objected to the scheme, yet the council's planning officers are recommending approval."

Friends of the Earth director Tony Juniper said: "This application is a further symptom of our dependence on dwindling oil resources.

"Sooner or later we must wean our society off oil and the quicker we do so the better."

Nat Belderson, planning officer for the South Downs Joint Committee, raised concern for protected species.

Replanting scheme

He said the working area would be screened, but the drilling tower would extend "well above the treeline".

Chichester District Council is also against the plan.

Drilling is expected to take place 24 hours a day over a four to five-week period.

Natural England has not opposed the plan and the Environment Agency does not object in principle.

Northern Petroleum's website says Markswell Wood is in the area of the Weald Basin confirmed as having proven or probable reserves of oil.

After the abandonment of the well, the site would be cleared, replanted with trees and shrubs, and undergo a five-year scheme of aftercare when failing planting would be replaced.