RE: Brockham decision on 11th July 201813 Jun 2018 16:28
1 (a) – (f) regarding characteristics of development The Secretary of State notes that a retrospective planning application has been made to Surrey County Council for a temporary period of up to three years. The proposal is for (1) Retention of the BRX-4 wellhead for a period of up to three years (2) Drilling of a side track well (BRX-4Z) from an existing wellhead (BRX-4) and (3) Production evaluation of the side track well (BRX-4Z). It is noted that a permitted well-site has been present on the site since the late 1980’s (permission granted in 1987), and has been used for the commercial production of oil and that the current installation, with reference to the production of oil from the Brockham 1 (BRX-1) well, has temporary planning permission (MO06/1294) for a period of 30 years, which ends in 2036. On the basis of the information, while the Secretary of State accepts that the proposed development would use natural resources, including energy and water, on the basis of the
information he does not consider that it would impact on resources which are non-renewable or in short supply, to the extent necessary to suggest that a significant environmental effect is likely. The Secretary of State recognises that the risk of accidents cannot be ruled out, having regard to the substances and technologies used, he does not consider that the magnitude of risk is such that a significant environmental effect is likely. He has taken into account local concerns on the potential flooding effect, but he considers that this can be considered as part of normal planning practice without subjecting the proposal to full environmental impact assessment for this reason. Overall, while waste materials would be produced, the Secretary of State does not consider that there would be a risk to sensitive receptors from waste material of the magnitude and complexity necessary to suggest that a significant environmental effect is likely. In terms of pollution, while the Secretary of State considers that there is likely to be some impact on air quality, this is likely to be localised and temporary and the site is not in an air quality management area. The Secretary of State has had regards to local concerns on the potential for the release of gas containing harmful material, however he notes that this is a existing well site and accepts that existing systems would be used to use or burn off gas that is found. He does not consider that there is information to suggest that there are any areas on or around the location which are already subject to pollution or environmental damage which could be affected by the project. Overall, the Secretary of State is satisfied that materials used could be managed in accordance with normal operating procedures and that any release of hazardous, toxic or noxious substances would not be of the magnitude necessary to suggest that a significant environmental effect is likely. Overall, the Secretary of State does not consider that a si