Rotherham Nixes Another Ineos Shale Test

The planning board of Rotherham Council in Yorkshire has again thumbed its nose at Ineos’ push to begin shale gas exploration in the region.

In a second vote on the revised application, the Council has rejected the olefins and polyolefins giant’s bid to drill a test well at Woodsetts, despite the national planning board’s recommendation that approval be granted.

The first vote was unanimous, the second seven to five. Ineos is expected to appeal the decision.

If successful, the chemical group would gain permission to explore for a maximum of five years. The operation would involve months of various site investigation surveys and site preparation before a period of drilling, coring and testing. A well would be drilled to approximately 2,800 meters.

Along with issues of noise and traffic put forward by the Council, objectors to the plans, which included the local parish council and the environmental advocacy group Woodsetts Against Fracking, focused on potential ecological damage.

A UK-designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a golf course are in the potential drilling area. Ineos said the sites would be restored after the test drills to determine the terrain’s suitability for fracking.

Ineos submitted an updated transport analysis and mitigation measures to allay the planners’ concerns. It also submitted an additional ecological survey. The Council also took into consideration that Ineos had secured permission from local residents and that the UK government has stressed the national importance of shale gas.

In resubmitting its plans, Ineos urged a positive vote to "avoid the potential for a second appeal and the associated costs claims that may be made in light of the lack of evidence behind the reason for refusal".

According to local reports, a council member said the company had shown "breathtaking arrogance" and its approach was patronizing and "vaguely threatening”. Another said he believed the previously raised highway issues had not been met to the council’s satisfaction and that environmental issues had not been sufficiently clarified.