Consultation Opens on Yorkshire Environmental Permit Application
Egdon Resources UK Limited has submitted an application to the Environment Agency for an environmental permit to construct a temporary wellsite at Weaverthorpe and drill a test borehole to explore for natural gas.
The proposed location is on land north of Butt Lane, at Foxholes in Driffield. Before any drilling or testing can begin, the company must obtain an environmental permit to operate.
The Environment Agency has invited comments from the local community and interested groups on the permit application. The consultation is open and will remain available until 14 January 2026. Relevant documents are accessible on the Environment Agency’s Citizen Space website.
A public drop-in session will take place on 2 December 2025 from 4pm to 7pm at Foxholes Community Hall, YO25 3QW. Environmental permits issued by the Environment Agency outline the conditions an operator must follow to minimise risks to people and the environment.
The company also requires planning permission from North Yorkshire Council before any work can commence.
Regulatory Process and Community Engagement
Kathryn Richardson, area environment manager at the Environment Agency, said the application will undergo a detailed and rigorous assessment. She noted that regulatory controls for the onshore oil and gas industry are designed to protect people and the environment.
She encouraged the public to review the consultation documents and attend the drop-in session, stating that comments on local environmental considerations are welcome.
The Environment Agency may refuse a permit application if it fails to meet legal requirements under environmental legislation, including instances where activities would have an unacceptable environmental impact or pose risks to human health.
For those unable to access the Internet or attend the drop-in session, a paper copy of the application will be available at Foxholes Community Hall, Foxholes YO25 3QW.
Consultation
Responses to the consultation can be submitted electronically. Instructions on how to view the documents and provide comments are available on the website, which also outlines what can and cannot be considered during the decision-making process.
Anyone wishing to comment is advised to read the online documentation before submitting views through the website or by emailing [email protected].
A paper copy of the application will be available at Foxholes Community Hall, Foxholes YO25 3QW for those without Internet access. The usual 20 working day consultation period has been extended to mid-January to allow additional time over the Christmas period.
Environment Agency Regulation of Onshore Gas and Oil
The Environment Agency’s regulatory controls for the onshore oil and gas industry are designed to protect people and the environment. Activities posing unacceptable risks are not permitted.
The regulatory process includes permitting, inspecting, monitoring and enforcement to safeguard water, land and air, along with the people and wildlife that depend on them.
The Agency does not allow any activity that could pollute rivers, streams, surface water, groundwater or drinking water, or any removal of water that could affect public supply or damage the environment. Waste material must be minimised, stored and disposed of safely to avoid harm to soil or the wider environment. Air quality is protected by requiring waste gas to be burnt in a safe and controlled manner, with emissions minimised and monitored.
Environmental Permits
Environmental permits contain strict legal conditions with which operators must comply to protect people and the environment. If a permit is issued, the Environment Agency is responsible for enforcing these conditions.
The Agency’s enforcement powers include issuing notices, suspending or revoking permits, imposing fines and, where necessary, pursuing criminal sanctions, including prosecution.
A permit may only be refused if legal requirements under environmental legislation are not met, including where an activity would have a significant impact on the environment or harm human health. If all requirements are fulfilled, the Agency is legally required to issue a permit.