Oil industry: Surrey drilling plans rejected

Planning permission for oil drilling in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has been turned down.

Oil industry giant, Europa Oil & Gas, applied to drill in Bury Hill Wood in Holmwood near Dorking in Surrey and although a planning officer had leant his approval to the project, it was rejected.

The application was refused on a majority of six to four votes by Surrey County Council's planning committee as it was believed oil drilling would have a negative impact on the area.

Planning committee chairwoman Marisa Heath told the BBC that many residents had voiced their objection to the plans, presenting a very strong and coherent case against the project.

However, managing director of Europa Oil and Gas Paul Barratt has said he plans to appeal the decision.

"We believe the proposal submitted to the Council was technically strong, fully supported by the County's own planning officers and as such the refusal is thought likely to be overturned on appeal," he explained.