Appeal launched over controversial 125ft gas drilling rig near Scarborough

In a statement, Europa said mentioned that the refusal “went against the recommendation made by the NYC’s own planning officers who, after rigorously analysing the planning application and the 13 independent experts whose separate reports all supported the application, advised the LPA to approve the application”.

The company submitted an application for the wellsite last year, proposing using well stimulation, or proppant squeeze, to increase oil and gas flow from the well.

The appeal will now be determined by the Planning Inspectorate and it comes as the scheme for a temporary wellsite seeking to explore for gas has been opposed by residents, campaigners and politicians due to concerns about impacts on the local environment, tourism, and climate commitments.

But Europa has said the scheme would create local employment and that residents would not notice the presence of the drilling rig.

The proposed proppant squeeze method has been likened to “small-scale fracking” and is allowed under current legislation.

William Holland, the CEO of Europa Oil & Gas, previously said: “Developments of this nature can be carried out responsibly, and we are committed to working constructively with the local community throughout.

“The development is limited, and it does not determine any future development. Let’s be clear, if we are successful, we will make another application, and it will create jobs and support the UK economy; it will also create gas that will be consumed here in Yorkshire.”

The company has said the scheme would be beneficial to the local economy and that there is no ‘loophole’ in the moratorium on fracking.

Local group Frack Free Coastal Communities has vowed to fight on.

At April’s planning meeting, councillors voted to reject the application based on heritage coast and landscape harm, and concerns that the temporary nature of the plan would not mitigate the harm and would be contrary to council policies. It was also based on proximity to residential properties and vibration, noise and disturbance, and 24/7 operation of the site.

It was also rejected on the site, height, and lighting would impact the scenic beauty of the North York Moors National Park and concerns that the impact on tourism and economic benefits had not been demonstrated, as well as conflict with the council’s climate commitments and objectives.

The Government has pledged to “ban fracking for good” and is expected to outline its plans for doing so when it publishes its Energy Independence Bill, which is expected later in the year.

It is yet unclear whether small-scale fracking would be included in the ban.

If Europa’s appeal succeeds, the company would be able to establish a temporary exploration wellsite, although any future production proposals would require separate consent.