A formal complaint has been lodged suggesting a “systemic failure” took place in a council’s handling of plans for a controversial gas drilling rig.
Burniston Parish Council and a senior member of North Yorkshire Council have expressed concern “regarding what appears to be a systemic failure in the planning process” of NYC’s handling of Europa Oil & Gas’ proposal for a 38 million gas drilling rig in Burniston, near Scarborough.
The formal complaint, lodged with the council earlier this month, is based on alleged failures in the administration of the online planning register, procedural errors, the way technical evidence was considered, and a “perception of bias and pre-determination”.
North Yorkshire Council said it believed its approach had been “correct and robust” and added that it would seriously consider all concerns that were raised with the authority.
It comes as the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG ) decided that Europa Oil & Gas’ proposal for a 38m gas drilling rig in Burniston should be determined by the council.
A planning meeting to decide on the scheme, which was recommended for approval by officers, was postponed in January after requests that the Government look into the application.
The complaint has been co-signed by Conservative councillor Derek Bastiman, a former member of NYC’s executive committee, who represents Scalby and the Coast on North Yorkshire Council.
The letter states:
“There is clear evidence of a systemic failure in the administration of the online planning register. Numerous residents and stakeholders have reported that formal technical submissions and objections were either not uploaded or were lost during system transitions,” the letter states.
It adds: “The publication of the officer’s report recommending approval—issued with what appeared to be alarming haste, while over 1600 objections remain either unaddressed or given scant consideration—gives the strong impression of pre-determination.”
North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director of community development, Nic Harne, said:
“We can confirm we have received a letter from Burniston Parish Council with concerns raised about how we have handled the planning application that seeks permission to construct a temporary wellsite to assess the potential for natural gas at Burniston, near Scarborough.
“We believe our approach has been correct and robust.
“However, we take all concerns raised with us seriously and will consider each of the points carefully.”
North Yorkshire Council has not set a new date for the planning application, which is recommended for approval, to be considered by its strategic planning committee.
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