Hampshire County Council Regulatory Committee 23 May 2007 Applicant: Star Energy Proposed erection of a building to house a gas injection booster compressor unit; the proposed erection of a gatehouse; switch-room building; siting of associated infrastructure in well site A and the laying underground of 1.5 kilometre length electricity cable from well site C to well site A, at Humbly Grove Oil Field Western Common, The Avenue, Lasham (Application No. BDB/64542) (Hazardous Substances Consent Application No. BDB/64815) (County Council Ref: BA057) Report of the Chief Planning Adviser to the Regulatory Committee

Item 8

Contact: Peter Chadwick, ext 6728 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The planning application for the proposals at Well Site A, at Humbly Grove Oil Field, was considered by the Committee at its meeting on 14 March 2007 when it was resolved to grant planning permission. However, immediately following this decision the Chief Planning Adviser was made aware that the description of the previous planning application at the site (BDB/55931) read out to the Committee differed from the wording of the planning permission as issued. The specific point raised was that the wording of the planning permission as issued did not include `gas storage'. As a consequence the Chief Planning Adviser considered legal advice was required on this point before issuing the planning permission. The legal advice has been received which confirmed the view that the previous permission covers gas storage, and that the issues raised in the representations put forward should not prevent planning permission being granted.

2. Recommendation

That planning permission in respect of the proposed erection of a building to house a gas injection booster compressor unit; the proposed erection of a gatehouse; switch-room building; siting of associated infrastructure in Well Site A and the laying underground of 1.5 kilometre length electricity cable from Well Site C to Well Site A, at Humbly Grove Oil Field, Western Common, The Avenue, Lasham (BDB/64542) be issued in accordance with the Committee resolution of 14 March 2007.

3. Legal Advice

3.1 The planning application and associated application for variation of the Hazardous Substances Consent for the proposed erection of a building to house a gas injection booster compressor unit; the proposed erection of a gatehouse; switch-room building; siting of associated infrastructure in Well Site A and the laying underground of 1.5 kilometre length electricity cable from Well Site C to Well Site A, at Humbly Grove Oil Field Western Common, The Avenue, Lasham were considered at the meeting of the Regulatory Committee on 14 March 2007. A copy of the previous committee report is attached as Appendix 1. The Committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

3.2 However, immediately following this decision the Chief Planning Adviser was made aware by Counsel for the local residents objecting to the application (who had made a deputation to Committee) that the description of the previous planning application at the site (BDB/55931) read out to the Committee differed from the wording of the planning permission as issued. The wording of the planning application as read out was:

"Installation and operation of gas gathering, processing and control facilities at Weston Common and Well Site A; Construction and operation of a 2.1 kilometre underground gas gathering pipeline connecting Weston Common with Well Site A; Storage of gas in the depleted Humbly Grove oil and gas reservoir to enhance oil recovery and contribute to the security of gas supplies."

The wording of the planning permission as issued was:

"Installation and operation of equipment and 2.1 kilometre pipeline for injection of gas at Humbly Grove Oilfield."

3.3 The specific point raised was that the wording of the planning permission as issued did not include `gas storage'. As a consequence the Chief Planning Adviser considered that legal advice was required on this point and therefore the issuing of the planning permission in accordance with the Committee's decision should be deferred until the advice had been received. Further written representations were subsequently received from Counsel acting for the local residents, and these have been taken into account.

3.4 Counsel's Opinion supports the advice given by the Chief Planning Adviser that planning permission BDB/55931 for the "installation and operation of equipment and 2.1 kilometre pipeline for injection of gas at Humbly Grove Oilfield" authorises the underground storage of gas. Although the permission itself is silent about the storage or keeping of gas underground Counsel advises that it is the inevitable consequence of the operational development permitted and that it would be inconceivable that the lawful operation permitted by the planning permission, ie injection of gas underground, should result in the unlawful presence of gas underground. Planning permission BDB/55931 places no limitations or conditions on the lawful presence of gas underground. Therefore it is concluded that the issues, including those raised in the further written representations, do not prevent planning permission being granted.

3.5 Counsel's Opinion is confidential legal advice protected by legal professional privilege but can be viewed by any Member of the Committee on a confidential basis by contacting the Committee's Legal Adviser (Sue Kilbride, Senior Solicitor, 01962 846437).

3.6 On the matter of the need or otherwise for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), there is the need to record the screening. This has been done, and the record is attached as Appendix 2.

3.7 In conclusion the legal advice is that there is no impediment to issuing the planning permission in accordance with the committee resolution.

4. Noise

4.1 When the application was considered at the meeting on 14 March 2007 Members were concerned about the noise issue raised in the deputation by local residents and requested that the sound levels be monitored with the results reported to the next meeting of the Committee. Members were also concerned about the gas explosions referred to in the deputation and wanted reassurance from the company about how these could be controlled.

4.2 Star Energy instructed consultants (Bureau Veritas, Acoustics and Vibration Group) to undertake noise monitoring at the site on 11 and 12 April 2007. The noise survey was undertaken during relatively calm weather conditions with a mixture of attended and non attended noise monitoring. The conclusions are that a low level of noise was audible at the nearest dwelling, under light downwind conditions, but the measured noise level (23 - 24 dB LA90) was well within the designated night-time noise limit (35 dB LA90). During the daytime, the measured noise level values exceeded those the daytime noise limit (40 dB LA10), but noise from the site was not readily audible and there was considerable interference from other sources of noise such as aircraft, tractors, bird scarers etc. As operations on the site remain relatively constant there is not normally any difference between day and night operations. The measured night time noise level of 27 - 28 dB LA10 is well within the condition noise limit. Therefore they concluded that operational noise from Well Site A was fully compliant with limits set by condition during noise surveys on 11 and 12 April 2007.

4.3 In response to the `gas explosions' referred to in the deputation to the 14 March meeting, Star Energy has responded that these were gas safety venting events, which occurred on 1 January 2007 and 15 January 2007. This venting is not an explosion, but does produce a loud roaring noise. The reason for the venting is in response to automatic fire detection. There are three sites in relation to the gas infrastructure, the connection to the National Grid at Barton Stacey, the Gas Plant at Weston Common and Well Site A. Should fire be detected at any of these locations it would automatically shut down the valves at all locations and vent the trapped gas. To prevent unnecessary shutdown there is a built-in timer to allow the operator to investigate whether there is a real fire or a false alarm, and if the latter to override the shutdown and reset. The two cases in January involved false alarms at Weston Common and Barton Stacey. The system was reset at the Gas Plant, but this did not action at Well Site A so the automatic safety valve activated. This was addressed immediately after 15 January by initially having Well Site A permanently manned to reset locally should a system trip occur, subsequently the reason for the problem was identified and the system modified.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers
The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.
NB the list excludes:
1.	Published works.
2.	Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE

LOCATION

Proposed erection of a building to house a gas injection booster compressor unit; the proposed erection of a gatehouse; switch-room building; siting of associated infrastructure in well site A and the laying underground of 1.5 kilometre length electricity cable from well site C to well site A, at Humbly Grove Oil Field Western Common, The Avenue, Lasham (Application No. BDB/64542) (Hazardous Substances Consent Application No. BDB/64815) (County Council Ref: BA057)

Environment Department Room 130

1356/PDC

APPENDIX 1

Hampshire County Council Regulatory Committee 14 March 2007 Applicant: Star Energy Proposed erection of a building to house a gas injection booster compressor unit; the proposed erection of a gatehouse; switch-room building; siting of associated infrastructure in well site A and the laying underground of 1.5 kilometre length electricity cable from well site C to well site A, at Humbly Grove Oil Field Western Common, The Avenue, Lasham (Application No. BDB/64542) (Hazardous Substances Consent Application No. BDB/64815) (County Council Ref. BA057) Report of the Chief Planning Adviser to the Regulatory Committee

Item 12

Contact: Peter Chadwick, ext 6728 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The site is within well site A, Humbly Grove Oilfield. The Humbly Grove Oilfield has planning permission for oil and gas production up to 2025. In 2003 planning permission was granted for the infrastructure required for gas storage underground within the oilfield strata. Hazardous Substances Consent was subsequently granted for this gas storage.

1.2 The gas storage proposals have been implemented. Star Energy consider that further gas pressure is required to access the deeper reserves that lie below the upper reserves strata. Consequently it is proposed to install a booster compressor to provide this additional pressure, supported by additional coolers and liquid separator and ancillary development. This will require both planning permission and a variation to the Hazardous Substances Consent.

1.3 It is considered that the proposals are in accordance with policy and will not be visually intrusive given the substantial existing landscaping. Nor will existing noise limits be exceeded provided the recommended noise mitigation measures are implemented. It is recognised that there have been noise problems due to the recent temporary drilling at the site, which is being dealt with separately, but this is not a valid reason for refusing this application. Therefore it is recommended to grant planning permission and variation of Hazardous Substances Consent.

2. Recommendations

2.1 That planning permission in respect of the proposed erection of a building to house a gas injection booster compressor unit; the proposed erection of a gatehouse; switch-room building; siting of associated infrastructure in well site A and, the laying underground of 1.5 kilometre length electricity cable from well site C to well site A at Humbly Grove Oilfield, Weston Common, The Avenue, Lasham (BDB/64542) be granted for the following reason and subject to the conditions attached in Appendix 1.

2.2 That the application for variation of the existing Hazardous Substances Consent (Ref: BDB62586) to include provision for a gas injector booster compressor unit and associated infrastructure at Humbly Grove Oilfield, Weston Common, The Avenue, Lasham (BDB/64815) be granted subject to the conditions attached in Appendix 1.

Reason for Approval

It is considered the proposals would be in accordance with the Development Plan (summary in Appendix 2) and would not materially harm the character of the area or the amenity of local residents and would be acceptable in terms of highway safety and convenience.

3. Site and Proposal

3.1 The site, as shown on the attached plan, is within well site A, Humbly Grove Oilfield (together with a proposed underground electricity cable between well site A and well site C). Well site C measures about 38 metres by 65 metres and is located on the edge of woodland. It has bunding on its northern and eastern boundaries which has been planted with trees . The nearest houses are Five Ways Cottage (about 250 metres away) and Foresters House (about 300 metres away). Humbly Grove Farm is to the north east. Access to the site is via a private track from New Odiham Road.

3.2 The Humbly Grove Oilfield has planning permission for oil and gas production up to 2025. In 2003 planning permission was granted for the infrastructure required for gas storage underground within the oilfield strata. Hazardous Substances Consent was subsequently granted for this gas storage.

3.3 The gas storage proposals have been implemented. Star Energy consider further gas pressure is required to access the deeper reserves that lie below the upper reserves strata. Consequently it is proposed to install a booster compressor to provide this additional pressure, supported by additional coolers and liquid separator and ancillary development. The proposed development includes:

(i) a new compressor unit installed in a steel clad building (measuring 25.46 metres x 10.32 metres x 8.65 metres high), which would be painted green;

(ii) a new gatehouse and switch-room building (measuring 12.2 metres x 6 metres x 5 metres high), which would be painted green;

(iii) a compressor after-cooler with dimensions of 6.4 metres x 3.1 metres and a height of 4 metres, located at the northern side of the new compressor building;

(iv) a compressor lube oil cooler (measuring 3.2 metres x 1.5 metres and a height of 4 metres), located at the northern side of the new compressor building;

(v) liquid nitrogen package (measuring 4 metres x 4 metres and a height of 8 metres), located on the south side of the new compressor building;

(vi) two well-head pressure control valves, located adjacent to the existing well-heads;

(vii) air compressor unit (measuring 2 metres x 3 metres x 3.5 metres high), located in the south west corner of the site;

(viii) two new electricity transformers, located next to the existing one;

(ix) Methanol Pump Package (measuring 2 metres x 3 metres x 3 metres high), located at northern end of well-heads; and

(x) an underground 1.5 kilometre, 11 KV electricity cable from well site `C' to well site `A'.

3.4 The construction period would be about five months, all work being carried out during the daytime. Once operational the site would be fully automated, so needing only occasional maintenance. It is proposed to retain the facilities to the end of the life of the oilfield, up to 2025.

3.5 The planning application is accompanied by a noise impact assessment. This concludes that, provided specified noise mitigation measures are implemented in full, the noise from the proposed development would not exceed the environmental noise limits currently in force at the well site. These limits are 40decibels LA10 daytime and 35 decibels LA90 night time.

3.6 In addition to the planning permission these proposals require variation of the Hazardous Substances Consent because additional plant and equipment is proposed. Therefore an application for variation has been submitted along with the planning application.

4. Development Plan

4.1 Hampshire Portsmouth and Southampton Minerals and Waste Local Plan Policy 31 concerns proposals for oil and gas development.

5. Consultations

5.1 Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council raises no objection subject to a condition requiring the implementation of the noise mitigation measures and noise monitoring.

5.2 Environment Agency has no objection to the planning application and the variation of the Hazardous Substances Consent.

5.3 Health and Safety Executive raises no objection to the planning application. In relation to the variation of the Hazardous Substances Consent the HSE comment that their Risk Assessment and Process Integrity Unit has concluded the risks to the surrounding population arising from the proposed operations are so small there are no significant reasons, on safety grounds, for refusing the application for consent. Various conditions are recommended.

5.4 The Highways Adviser raises no objection.

5.5 English Heritage comments the site is within an area of high archaeological potential and close to a scheduled ancient monument. However, the existing oilfield installations are well-established and proposed construction relates to an area of previous development. Therefore content with this application.

5.6 Upton Grey Parish Council has been informed.

5.7 Weston Corbett and Weston Patrick Parish Council has been informed.

5.8 Councillor Anna McNair Scott has been informed.

6. Representations

6.1 Letters of objection have been received from five local residents on the following grounds:

(i) that life for those living close to the site has been miserable during the recent drilling period;

(ii) atrocious noise;

(iii) traffic from the road to the well-site has increased and access road used for car parking;

(iv) major light pollution at night;

(v) new infrastructure will require maintenance leading to further traffic, noise pollution, etc;

(vi) a creeping attrition by planning permission on planning permission;

(vii) oppose laying of the electricity cable as would be another major noise nuisance; and

(viii) major noise problem for local residents during recent works, over which no one seems to have control and no enforcement action taken.

7. Chief Planning Adviser's Comments

7.1 In principle the proposals for additional plant and equipment are in accordance with policy, as they are part of the operation of the oilfield and the gas storage. The main issues are whether the proposals in detail are acceptable at this site in terms of visual impact and the noise impact for the nearest residents.

7.2 In terms of visual impact the site is very well screened by mature woodland and substantial landscaping. This screening is sufficient for the proposed buildings, plant and equipment. Therefore it is not considered there would be an adverse visual impact.

7.3 In terms of noise, the noise impact assessment concluded that provided the recommended noise mitigation measures were implemented, then the existing noise limits would not be exceeded. These recommended noise mitigation measures can be secured by planning condition.

7.4 The objections from local residents are primarily on the grounds of the unacceptable noise and disturbance resulting from the recent drilling activity at the site, particularly activity since September 2006, and continued development beyond that originally envisaged. The concern of local residents being, in particular, that the approved noise levels were exceeded and a perceived lack of monitoring and enforcement by the County Council. It is understood the extended period of drilling operations was a result of operational problems encountered by Star Energy. However the noise level requirements in the planning conditions continue to apply and should be complied with. The site has been monitored, and a record of noise levels has been submitted in accordance with the approved noise monitoring scheme. This shows that approved noise levels were exceeded and consequently enforcement action, in the form of a Breach of condition Notice has been issued. However, this is not a valid reason in itself for refusing this planning application as it resulted from a different type of development, and also it has been shown the existing noise limits can be complied with in relation to this proposed development.

7.5 In relation to the Hazardous Substances Consent application, it is noted the main consultee (Health and Safety Executive) considers the risks so small there are no significant reasons for refusal.

8. Conclusion

8.1 It is considered that the proposals are in accordance with policy and will not be visually intrusive given the substantial existing landscaping. Nor will existing noise limits be exceeded provided the recommended noise mitigation measures are implemented. It is recognised that there have been noise problems due to the temporary drilling at the site, which is being dealt with separately, but this is not a valid reason for refusing this application. Therefore it is recommended to grant planning permission and variation of the Hazardous Substances Consent.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers
The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.
NB the list excludes:
1.	Published works.
2.	Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE

LOCATION

Proposed erection of a building to house a gas injection booster compressor unit; the proposed erection of a gatehouse; switch-room building; siting of associated infrastructure in well site A and the laying underground of 1.5 kilometre length electricity cable from well site C to well site A, at Humbly Grove Oil Field Western Common, The Avenue, Lasham (Application No. BDB/64542) (Hazardous Substances Consent Application No. BDB/64815) (County Council Ref. BA057)

Environment Department Room 130

1237/PC

APPENDIX 1

Planning Application (BDB/64815) Conditions

Restrict Development Rights

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of Parts 4, 8 and 25 Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (or any order revoking and re-enacting that order):

(i) fixed plant or machinery, buildings, structures and erections or private ways shall not be erected, extended, installed or replaced at the site without the prior agreement of the Waste Planning Authority in writing;

(ii) no telecommunications antenna shall be installed or erected without the prior agreement of the Waste Planning Authority in writing

Reason: to protect the amenities of the area.

Hours of Working

(2) Construction work, pipeline laying, cable laying and work overs shall only take place between the hours of 0700 and 1800 Monday to friday (except recognised public holidays) ansd between 0700 and 1300 on Saturday.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

Roads

(3) All access roads provided as part of this development shall be maintained throughout the life of the development to the satisfaction of the Minerals Planning Authority.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

(4) Notices shall be placed at all points where pipeline works, cable laying works and haul roads cross public rights of way in order to alert riders, walkers and drivers.

Reason: In the interests of safety to the public.

(5) Lines of sight of 4.5 metres by 225 metres shall be maintained at the access to New Odiham Road throughout the life of the development.

Reason: In the interests of highway safety.

Appearance

(6) All existing and proposed plant, structures and buildings shall be maintained, clad and/or painted in accordance with the submitted details, and all areas surrounding the equipment bases at well sites shall be finished in cement grout coloured dark grey.

Reason: In the interests of visual amenity.

Protection of Water Environment

(7) All outlets from the oil interceptors, to be installed as part of the sites drainage system, shall be fitted witrh shut off valves capable of closing the site drainage system in the event of a major oil spillage.

Reason: To prevent pollution of the water environment.

(8) Any facilities for the storage of oils, fuels or chemicals shall be sited on impervious bases and surrounded by impervious bund walls. The bund capacity shall give 110% of the total volume for single and hydraulically linked tanks. If there is multiple tankage, the bund capacity shall be 110% of the largest tank or 25% of the total capacity of all tanks, whichever is the greatest. All filling points, vents, gauges and sight glasses and overflow pipes shall be located within the bund. There shall be no outlet connecting the bund to any drain, sewer or watercourse or discharging onto the ground. Associated pipework shall be located above ground where possible and protected from accidental damage.

Reason: To prevent pollution of the water environment.

(9) All oil interceptors shall be monitored and maintained to ensure that any contaminated water is retained on site for collection and removal by suction tanker.

Reason: To prevent pollution of the water environment.

Noise

(10) Noise levels arising from the operations at the site shall nor exceed 40dB(A)L10 between 0700 and 2200 hours and 35 dB(A)L90 between 2200 ansd 0700 hours, when measured outside the nearest dwelling throughout the life of the development.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

(11) Noise mitigation measures shall be implemented prior to the new booster compressor becoming operational. These measures must include:

(i) low noise valve trims for compressor anti-surge valve;

(ii) low noise cooler fans for lubricated oil cooler and compressor aftercooler;

(iii) specialist acoustic cladding for compressor building;

(iv) acoustic absorbsion installed inside compressor building;

(v) acoustic lagging of all internal and external compressor pipework;

(vi) acoustic lagging of above-ground gas export pipework; and

(vii) lagging shall be to the specification set out in Table 6.2 and Table 6.3 of the Noise Impact Assessment for Rheatic Compressor Technical Report No: 495065/5 Rev 0 (19 May 2006).

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

(12) Prior to commencement of work on the site in accordance with this consent a noise monitoring scheme shall be submitted to the Mineral Planning Authority for approval in writing. The scheme shall provide for regular monitoring of noise levels through the phases of constuction commissioning and operation. The scheme shall be implemented as approved.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

Lighting

(13) All external lighting at the site shall be maintained to the satisfaction of the Mineral Planning Authority to minimise intrusion when viewed from public vantage points and nearby dwellings.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity and to prevent light pollution.

Restoration

(14) All plant, buildings, structures, hardstandings and haul roads hereby approved (excluding pipelines) shall be removed at the end of the life of the oilfield, or by 30 September 2025, whichever is the sooner.

Reason: To secure the satisfactory restoration of the site.

(15) Within 12 months of the removal of the plant, buildings, structures, hardstandings and haul roads, as required under Condition (9), the site shall be restored in accordance with a detailed scheme to be submitted to the satisfaction of the Mineral Planning Authority and agreed beforehand in writing. The scheme shall provide for the removal of all hardcore and concrete structures (including foundations) the replacement of topsoil and the preparation and draining of the reinstated land to a state suitable for forestry/agricultural use. The restoration scheme shall also include the submission of after-care details for the restored areas for a period of five years following completion of restoration.

Reason: To secure the satisfactory restoration of the sites.

Hazardous Substances Consent (BDB/64815) Conditions

(1) The hazardous substances shall not be kept or used other than in accordance with the application particulars provided in the Hazardous Substances Consent Application Form.

(2) The operating pressure in pipework associated with wells A1 & A13 shall be limited to 166 bara.

(3) The down hole pressure in the existing Rhaetic well structure shall be limited to 138 bara.

(4) The down hole pressure in the Oolitic well structure shall be limited to 102 bara.

(5) The building to house the compressor shall not be larger than 25.5 metres x 10.35 metres x 8.65 metres.

APPENDIX 2

Annexe to Reasons for Conditions

(as required by Article 22 of the Town and Country Planning

(General Procedure) Order 1995 - as amended)

__________________________________________________________________

Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton Minerals and Waste Local Plan (Adopted) 1998

Policy 31

Following the drilling of an initial exploratory borehole, development, either in connection with an appraisal programme or of facilities for producing, processing or transporting oil or natural gas, will be permitted provided that the Mineral Planning Authority is satisfied that:

(i) the development is necessary to confirm geological structures or to confirm or exploit the oil or gas resource, and the need for the development outweighs any adverse environmental impact or other detrimental effect that would be likely to be caused by it ; and

(ii) the proposed location of the development is the most suitable taking into account environmental, geological and technical factors; and

(iii) the development would not give rise to any unacceptable environmental impact; and

(iv) the proposal is consistent with either an agreed overall scheme or a production strategy for the area.

APPENDIX 2

Hampshire County Council

Director of Environment

Applicant: Star Energy Ltd

Proposed erection of a building to house a gas injection booster compressor unit, the proposed erection of a gatehouse & switchroom building & the siting of associated infrastructure in Wellsite A, the laying underground of 1.5 KM length electrucity cable from Wellsite C to Wellsite A at Humbly Grove Oilfield, Western Common, the Avenue, Lasham.

EIA Screening

(Application no: BDB/64542)(Site ref: BA057)

General

The site is within Well site A, Humbly Grove Oilfield. In 2003 planning permission was granted for the infrastructure required for gas injection into the oilfield strata. Hazardous Substances Consent was subsequently granted for gas storage. The oilfield has planning permission for oil and gas production up to 2025.

The proposals have been implemented. Star Energy consider that further gas pressure is required to access the deeper reserves that lie below the upper reserves strata. Therefore it is proposed to install a booster compressor (housed within a building measuring 25.42 metres by 10.32 metres by 8.65 metres high) to provide this additional pressure, supported by additional coolers and liquid separator and ancillary development, including a gatehouse and switchroom building measuring 12.2 metres by 6 metres by 5 metres high at Well site A. Consequently Star Energy have applied for both planning permission and a variation to the Hazardous Substances Consent.

The planning application was submitted 26 September 2006, it was not accompanied by an Environmental Statement. The Mineral Planning Authority did not consider that environmental assessment was required and so did not request an Environmental Statement. However there is no audit trail for this screening opinion. This report provides the reason for this decision.

Commentary

The proposal does not fall within any category within Schedule 1 in the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment)(England and Wales) Regulations 1999.

The proposal does not clearly fall within any category within Schedule 2 in the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment)(England and Wales) Regulations 1999. The closest category would be Schedule 2 Category 3 Energy industry (b) Industrial installations for carrying gas, steam and hot water.

The area of the works is below the 1 hectare threshold for requiring Environmental Assessment. Less appropriate would be Category 2 Extractive industry (e) Surface industrial installations for the extraction of coal, petroleum, natural gas and ores, as well as bituminous shale. Whilst the site is just above the 0.5 hectare threshold, it is significantly below the indicative threshold of 10 hectares in Circular 2/99.

The site is not in a sensitive location as it is not in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, does not affect controlled waters and does not affect a European Site for nature conservation, an SSSI, nor a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The proposal is for additional plant and equipment on an existing operational well site. The well site is visually contained by bunding and mature trees and shrubs. The proposals are designed to meet existing permitted noise levels. Therefore there is unlikely to be significant harm to amenity for local residents by virtue of traffic, noise, dust or visual impact from the construction and operation of this additional development at the well site.

In conclusion it is not considered that the proposal would have a significant impact on the environment and therefore would not require an Environmental Statement.

Case Officer ................................

Peter Chadwick

Date...........................

Authorised on behalf of the Director of the Environment

................................

Richard Read

Date............................