Oil and Gas

13.15 Calderdale lies within the Lower Coal Measure series, which could potentially have reserves of oil and natural gas and coal bed methane, although these have not been investigated. National policy is to encourage exploration for the production of the country’s own oil and gas reserves and prior to the submission of planning application for oil and natural gas development a licence is required from the DTI. It is recognised that the nation’s interest in developing indigenous oil and gas resources can be in conflict with protecting the environment and amenity of local people. Proposals for the commercial extraction of oil and gas and coal bed methane will need to demonstrate that extraction, transport and reclamation can be undertaken in a satisfactory manner and that potential hazards are kept to a minimum. The exploitation of oil and gas will be considered under the Policy set out below:-

Policy M 6

Oil and Gas

Proposals for the exploration to determine the presence or extent of oil or natural gas reserves, development and distribution of oil and natural gas will be permitted provided that all the following criteria are satisfied:-
  1. there will be no unacceptable impact on the local environment in terms of visual amenity, noise, dust, air, surface or ground water pollution, or harm to the environment or other nuisance during or after the operations; and
  2. in assessing the proposals detailed information will be required on:-
  1. the exploration and extraction activities (including plant and machinery to be used), timing and method of gas flaring, noise levels, disposal of mud and drilling residues, on site storage of plant machinery and equipment (including pipes and pipe laying equipment) screening and landscaping;
  2. transport arrangements including pipelines; and
  3. a comprehensive scheme of restoration and aftercare.

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