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This page will update on developments. If you have useful information
please email us.
The Government has announced plans to over-rule local authorities' right to control industrial development in their regions. The stated objective is to prevent gas storage projects being delayed by the normal planning process, in order to ensure the security of the energy supply. This represents a major change in the rights of communities to determine what industrial development is appropriate in their area. It also sets a worrying precedent that distances local authorities from involvement in the planning regulation of other national projects such as nuclear power stations and wind farms in environmentally sensitive areas such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The SaveBlackheathCommon Campaign recognises the country's need for energy but this need must be balanced against the responsibility to continue to protect for the nation and for future generations landscapes that have been accorded National Park status, particularly when alternative less sensitive locations exist, such as depleted offshore gas fields. Click here for full text of the announcement.
Star Energy have deferred the hearing of their planning application by Surrey County Council. July 19th is now the earliest date that their application can go before the Planning Committee. (Subsequent committee dates are: 13 Sep, 11 Oct, 22 Nov & 13 Dec.) Objections will be accepted right up to the date of the committee meeting but need to be submitted a few weeks ahead if they are to be incorporated into the case officer’s report. If you have not yet submitted your letter of objection, you may want to wait until the beginning of June when clarification of the current application is anticipated. Faced with considerable local opposition to their proposals, Star Energy have informed Surrey County Council that they are investigating the potential for alternatives. (See also item below about Liaison Group). Star Energy may decide to proceed with this application after providing additional information or may decide to submit a revised application. A revised application would have to be submitted as a new application and would have to go through the whole planning process again. We will keep people informed through this update page as soon as we obtain any further information.
SaveBlackheathCommon Group representatives were present at a Liaison Committee meeting with Star Energy on Tuesday 21st March. This Liaison Committee has been set up under the auspices of Albury Parish Council, and has good representation from SaveBlackheathCommon, from the Blackheath Village Society, and from the Brook Residents' Group. Also on the Committee are local elected representatives of Surrey County Council, Guildford Borough Council, and the three Parish Councils of Albury, Wonersh and St. Martha's. Jonathan Lord of the Blackheath Village Society was unanimously elected as Chairman.
The key
finding from the meeting was the confirmation that Star Energy are
seriously investigating whether it will be possible for them to do their
their initial appraisal drilling from the existing site at Albury - (i.e.
the site on the other side of the road from Albury Cricket Club). We welcome
feedback from you on this (short-term) option.
HOWEVER,
if the appraisal drilling does reveal the gas-flow and the underground
'structures' that Star Energy are hoping to find, then the threat of further
gas drilling and storage operations in the locality remains - since it will
not be feasible for Star Energy to exploit the wider gasfield from the the
existing Albury site.
Star
Energy expect to be in a position to reveal their proposed appraisal site(s)
at the end of May, and they will call a further Liaison Committee
meeting to discuss these proposals prior to applying to Surrey County
Council for planning permission.
Supporters have recently formed specific subgroups to work on defined areas of the campaign. A Media Group convened by Nicola Savage has held a number of productive meetings to plan publicity initiatives. Nick Wenman is overseeing a Specialists Group that has identified key areas of research. Supporters with specialist knowledge and relevant expertise are currently researching key areas such as planning legislation, industry/geological considerations and environmental impact. The successful creation of these subgroups brings a fresh wave of enthusiasm & energy and ensures that the campaign can respond effectively as soon as Star Energy have clarified their proposals. If you have specific information or expertise to offer then please Contact Us.
For further details of Star Energy's future plans for the Albury gas-field and photographs of what is at stake see the end of the Implications page or click here.
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