Firm searches for new drilling site

Rathlin Energy UK (Ltd) was planning to drill for oil or gas between Bishop Burton and Walkington after gaining planning permission earlier this year.

But yesterday it said: “Having received planning approval for our exploration well at Crawberry Hill we were unable to agree commercial terms for our preferred site location before work was due to begin in the summer.

“We are currently exploring alternative options with the intention of submitting a new planning application at a nearby location.

“The new application will be consistent with our original submission and we expect to receive similar planning conditions associated with its approval.”

Residents had been concerned about drilling through an aquifer, which supplies much of the region’s drinking water. One said: “It is good news because they will have to move somewhere else and they will have to resubmit for planning. My main concern was in excess of 100,00 people get water from the aquifer and if they damage it, that’s it.”