View the BERR response

APPRAISAL OF ALBURY 2
Star Energy withdrew their planning application for Albury Park on 16th April 2007 as the application had inadequate noise data and was recommended for refusal by SCC.  The resubmitted application is due to be heard by Surrey County Council on 9th July 2008.  (see 1st item of this update).

The 24 hour drilling would last 18 weeks, and they will have good initial appraisal of what they've found within three weeks thereafter. The new application will still have significant impact in terms of traffic disturbance, noise, light pollution, emissions and visual impact. The 29m drill rig will be visible from a considerable distance.  Although there were 1924 written objections to Star Energy's withdrawn application, these objections no longer apply - the re-submitted application will be considered as a new application.

Documents relating to the previous Albury 2 appraisal drilling application :
 
        Although the Case Officers Report  is 58 pages long, it starts with a 2 page summary.

        SaveBlackheathCommon objection documents:
        1.      SBC’s Main Objection document - dated 23^rd  November 2007
        2.      SBC’s Noise Review document – appending Main Objection document
        3.      SBC’s Additional Comments document – dated 5^th January 2007
        4.      SBC’s Further Comments document – dated 7^th January 2007
        5.      SBC’s Further Comments document – dated 30^th January 2007
        6.      SBC’s Further Comments document – dated 31-03-07
        7.      SBC’s Technical Comments document – dated 2nd April 2007

        CPRE Objection document

GAS STORAGE OF ALBURY 1
Star Energy's have now submitted plans for gas storage of the depleted horizon Albury 1.  (see top section of this update). This application has been made directly to the DTI, using the 1965 Gas Act to "fast-track" and circumvent local planning procedures.  Star Energy initially planned to use Albury Park for building their gas storage processing facility but now seem to realise that this level of industrialisation is unacceptable in an AONB.  At the end of May, Star Energy revealed that they now plan to build this facility at Furze Copse 800m east of Send prison.
There would be 5 elements to Phase 1 Gas Storage application:
1. 4 additional development drill wells in Albury Park drilled over a 24 hour 36 week period
2. pipeline from Albury Park to Furze Copse Gas Processing Facility. It would start within the park and then cross New Road to the west, go under the Tillingbourne and follow the Sherbourne before going under the A248, then under the A25, then north and to the east of Sherbourne Farm, climbing over the North Downs escarpment close to the Silent Pool footpath.  The pipeline would be 32” diameter and capable of taking Phases 1 & 2. It requires a 26m construction width, 5mile long. 1m min depth with 6mth construction and 6m restoration periods.
3. Pipe storage area (temporary) south of main road at East Clandon.
4. Furze Copse Gas Processing Facility 800m east of perimeter of Send prison. 10 acre site area with plant occupying 3acres.
5. A further pipeline connection would then run north from the Gas Processing Facility to the Ripley gas grid connection near Ockham.

Star Energy will commission an Environmental Impact Assessment and has produced a detailed EIA scoping report. Star Energy welcomes comments on the proposed scope to help ensure that the EIA considers all environmental issues relevant to the project.   The scoping document is available in hard copy and is through the Star Energy website.  Enquiries & comments  should be directed to Paul Dacombe, Consents Manager at Star Energy.

 

GAS STORAGE OF ALBURY 2
If appraisal of Albury 2 confirms expectations, Star Energy will submit plans for phase 2 development of Albury 2 for gas storage.   These plans would utilise the gas processing facility at Furze Copse and the pipeline from Albury Park to Furze Copse.  An additional pipeline would be required from Furze Copse to Tatsfield to the North West of Westerham.

Gas storage of Albury 2 would required an unspecified number of development wells in be drilled, in addition to the two Albury 2 appraisal wells and four Albury 1 development wells.  Each well would take up to 9 weeks to drill and is likely to cause significant noise disturbance day and night in the AONB.

Star Energy gave unequivocal reassurance at a meeting of the Community Liaison Panel on 24th May that they would not drill wells on Blackheath Common. They have also confirmed this in writing.