The people of Balcombe and their supporters are continuing the fight to protect the village and the environment against Angus Energy's plans to explore for oil in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Please help us to put an end to hydrocarbon development and exploration in the Sussex High Weald by supporting our further legal action in the Court of Appeal with donations and by spreading the word about this threat. 

Thank you to everyone who has so generously donated so far to our campaign. The next stage is to raise funds to appeal the recent judgement handed down by the High Court. This first instance judge dismissed our challenge to the planning inspector's decision to allow Angus Energy to return to Balcombe to conduct an exploratory well test for oil which, if successful, is likely to lead to long-term oil production. 

Our lawyers have advised us that there are arguable grounds for appealing the judgment and we have filed an application for permission to appeal at the Court of Appeal.

The impact of the oil well test, which will run for many months or even years, will be devastating for the village and for the environment as well as contribute to the global climate crisis by paving the way for further greenhouse gas emissions resulting from oil production and combustion.

It will bring air pollution, water pollution, noise and light pollution, as well as disrupting plant and animal habitats. The area is recognised as having special, national importance and value, demanding conservation of its beauty and tranquillity.

 The village has been battling to stop further work on the site since the summer of 2013 when the well was initially drilled by Cuadrilla. 

By donating, you are not only supporting our village but also protecting the environment and setting a precedent for the entire region. The shale bed being targeted stretches from Kent to Hampshire, and if Angus Energy can drill for oil in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, then nowhere is safe. 

The test will lead to: 

AIR POLLUTION: Flaring of noxious gases that will be carried across our village

TRAFFIC: HGVs daily - passing directly by our primary school and church, Monday-Saturday, where 128 young children cross the road each weekday

WATER POLLUTION: Risk to the River Ouse and the nearby Ardingly Reservoir, with a stream just 15m from the well site.

NOISE & LIGHT POLLUTION: Day and night, as once testing starts it does not stop

 DISRUPTION OF NATURAL PLANT AND ANIMAL HABITATS 

CLIMATE CRISIS BEING IGNORED

Frack Free Balcombe Resident’s Association needs to raise funds to continue our fight in the Court of Appeal. If our appeal is successful, planning permission granted to Angus Energy  to explore for oil in Balcombe will be revoked. 

Please donate now and help protect this beautiful part of Britain and other areas threatened by onshore oil and gas exploration and production. Be part of the solution to the global climate crisis!

Please donate whatever you can and share with your family and friends. Thank you for your support.