CPRE North and East Yorkshire Opposes Gas Appraisal Plan Near Burniston

CPRE North and East Yorkshire Opposes Gas Appraisal Plan Near Burniston

CPRE North and East Yorkshire Raises Strong Objection to Gas Appraisal Site Near Burniston

Burniston, North Yorkshire – April 12, 2025 — A major gas exploration proposal near the North York Moors National Park has drawn sharp opposition from CPRE North and East Yorkshire (CPRENEY), the local branch of the countryside charity dedicated to protecting rural landscapes. The organisation formally submitted an objection to North Yorkshire Council in response to application NY/2025/0030/ENV, which proposes the construction of a temporary wellsite east of The Mill Yard, Burniston Mill, along the Coastal Road in Burniston, Scarborough.

The proposal, put forward by Egdon Resources Ltd on behalf of Europa Oil and Gas Ltd, seeks permission to conduct drilling operations, proppant squeeze (a form of hydraulic fracturing), flow testing, and eventual site restoration. CPRENEY’s objection, supported by expert input from KVA Planning Consultancy, outlines wide-ranging concerns over environmental, landscape, heritage, ecological, and public safety impacts.

Location in Sensitive Landscape Sparks Alarm

The proposed 1.2-hectare site lies within a nationally recognised sensitive environment, less than 1km from the North York Moors National Park and within the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast. The location is also adjacent to the Cleveland Way National Trail and the Cinder Track, a public right of way and Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). CPRENEY stresses that the development would be highly visible from elevated parts of the National Park, violating national and local planning policies aimed at conserving protected landscapes.

“Given the site’s proximity to both a National Park and a Heritage Coast, this proposal is wholly incompatible with the statutory purposes of these designations,” said Jan Arger, Chair of CPRENEY. “This area is not only cherished for its natural beauty and tranquillity, but also plays a vital role in biodiversity and public recreation.”

Visual and Ecological Impacts

The charity cited visual intrusions including a 38-metre-high drill rig, cranes, fencing, and a flare stack, all of which would exceed surrounding tree heights. CPRENEY argues that this industrial footprint would severely compromise the area’s rural character and peaceful setting.

They also challenge the adequacy of the applicant’s ecological assessments, pointing to local reports of protected species such as barn owls, curlews, lapwings, and great crested newts. Despite these reports, ecological impacts were excluded at the screening stage. CPRENEY is urging the Mineral Planning Authority (MPA) to undertake an independent assessment and consult their own ecologist.

Traffic Safety and Community Disruption

CPRENEY voiced significant concerns over traffic routes for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), citing narrow local roads, S-bends, and busy residential areas including school zones. The site’s access routes, both north through rural settlements and south through the congested tourist hub of Scarborough, were deemed highly unsuitable.

“Local roads are heavily used by walkers, cyclists, and horse riders,” the objection reads. “Large construction vehicles would endanger vulnerable users and deter public access to the countryside—damaging mental and physical wellbeing.”

Potential Threat to Public Health and Tourism

Situated near well-used recreational facilities, including Scarborough Rugby Club and Barons Gym, the proposed site has raised concerns over the potential health and safety impacts for residents and visiting sports clubs. CPRENEY warns that noise, air pollution, and environmental risks associated with the proppant squeeze technique may pose public health hazards.

Additionally, the region is a popular tourist destination with nearby caravan parks, hotels, and wedding venues—all of which could suffer if the development proceeds.

Proppant Squeeze Technique Under Scrutiny

CPRENEY criticises the planned use of the proppant squeeze technique, a form of low-volume hydraulic fracturing, arguing that it falls into a regulatory loophole. Although not classified as “high-volume fracking” under current UK law, CPRENEY contends it still carries many of the same environmental and seismic risks.

“It is disingenuous to suggest this is not fracking,” the group argues, pointing to the technique’s inclusion under local policy definitions and national planning guidance.

Calls for a Full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

The planning authority initially determined that a full Environmental Impact Assessment was required, but this was later overruled by the Secretary of State. CPRENEY disputes this decision, arguing that the cumulative impacts, long-term site lifespan (possibly up to 25 years), and downstream greenhouse gas emissions necessitate a full EIA.

They also highlight a landmark 2024 Supreme Court ruling (Finch v Surrey County Council), which clarified that emissions from combustion of extracted hydrocarbons must be considered in planning decisions. CPRENEY argues that the current proposal fails to comply with this legal precedent, as it does not account for downstream emissions.

Incompatible with UK Energy Strategy

With UK gas reliance declining—from 70% to 40% over the past decade—CPRENEY argues that fossil fuel exploration is out of step with national efforts to decarbonise energy. Instead, the group advocates for investment in sustainable energy alternatives like wind, solar, and tidal power.

A Final Word

In conclusion, CPRENEY’s comprehensive submission paints a picture of a proposed development deeply at odds with its setting and the national goals for climate resilience and biodiversity protection.

“The risks to our environment, health, and heritage far outweigh any short-term energy gains from this proposal,” CPRENEY concludes. “This is not sustainable development—it is a step backwards.”