Drilling project in Dunsfold, Surrey challenged at the High Court

08 Jun 2023

Planning and Environment

Today, a gas drilling project in Dunsfold, Surrey will be challenged at the High Court.

Waverley Borough Council and Protect Dunsfold, a local campaign group, are taking action against the government’s decision to grant planning permission for gas exploration in Dunsfold, in Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s constituency.

This legal action stems from planning permission that was granted a year ago (June 2022) to a subsidiary of UK Oil and Gas (UKOG), overturning previous refusals by Surrey County Council. Local opposition has expressed concerns about potential environmental damage and limited economic benefits.

Estelle Dehon KC acts for Protect Dunsfold, leading Alex Shattock of Landmark, instructed by Ricky Gama of Leigh Day. Robert Williams is acting for the Secretary of State, led by James Strachan KC of 39 Essex Chambers.