Tory Councilors ask for EIS at WN13 Feb 2021 08:48
https://drillordrop.com/2021/02/12/council-urged-to-rethink-ruling-on-west-newton-drilling-plans/
Rathlin Energy wants to drill six more wells at the West Newton-A site and produce oil for 20 years. (See DrillOrDrop report)
As part of the planning process, East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) ruled that Rathlin did not need to carry out an environmental impact assessment. This is a detailed environmental report that is often required as part of a planning application for larger developments.
Three members of the council’s leading Conservative group have now asked the council’s chief executive, Caroline Lacey, to revoke the decision on the environmental impact assessment (EIA).
In a letter last week, Cllrs Jacob Birch, Brian Skow and John Holtby, who represent the area around West Newton, said “serious concerns” had been raised with them about the decision.
They said the ruling, made by planning officers last month, “goes against the fundamentals of the Council’s commitment to the environment”. Later this month, the authority is expected to agree to reduce its carbon footprint, promote a healthier climate and declare a climate emergency.
Their letter said:
“We therefore resolve and implore you to request that this Council reconsiders the decision to not set this out as an EIA development.
“That this Council revokes this decision in favour of allowing further and full consultation and debate on this proposal before any decision is taken.”