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Campaigners Protest Over Controversial Arreton Oil Drilling Plans

Photo from Louise Hill, Local Democracy Reporter.

Protesters have gathered outside County Hall to have their say on controversial plans to drill for oil on greenfield land at Arreton.

Proposals, put forward by UK Oil and Gas (UKOG), are recommended for conditional approval by Isle of Wight Council planning officers.

It would see UKOG granted temporary permission to drill for a period of three years. It wants to construct and operate a well site, for the exploration and appraisal of hydrocarbon minerals.

If approved, two boreholes would be drilled at the site, near New Barn Business Park.

One exploratory borehole and one side-track borehole would be installed for a period of three years, before the area is returned to its original state.

Tonight's all-important meeting got underway at 4pm.

Campaigners Don't Drill The Wight met at County Hall before it started. The group has previously condemned the plans, saying it's "the wrong scheme, in the wrong place, at the wrong time". 

There are fears the scheme, albeit temporary, may lead to a long-term operation at the site.

A decision is expected within the next few hours.

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