Winchester oil appraisal plans protest by Extinction Rebellion

Campaigners gathered yesterday (Sunday, August 6) at the well site on the Matterley Estate east of Winchester.

The proposal, from IGas Energy Ltd, is for the 'retention of wellsite and existing surface and sub-surface infrastructure for a further period of five years in order to allow for further appraisal of oil and gas'.

The plans, at the well near Matterley Farm, were refused by the South Downs National Park in 2020, however it was overturned at an appeal in 2021.

Mike Nell from Extinction Rebellion Winchester said “Permission for further extraction of climate-destroying oil is inexcusable. Every day we see unprecedented wildfires around the world from Greece to California, caused by human-created climate change. When will our politicians make the right decisions, perhaps not until their own houses are on fire?” 

READ MORE: Winchester oil appraisal plans slammed by WinACC

Appraisal of the site had taken place from 2009 to 2017 but ceased due to fluctuating international oil prices. 

Winchester Action on the Climate Crisis (WinACC) chairman Dr Alex Clayton previously described it as a threat to the environment.

A spokesman for IGas Energy Ltd owner Star Energy Group Plc said: “There is no question the UK will continue to need oil, we are not currently in a position to rely solely on renewable energy sources. UK produced oil offers emissions savings over five of its top six suppliers and imports do not offer the economic, environmental or geopolitical benefits offered by domestic production. 

“The Avington site is an existing site that already contains all the infrastructure required for the proposed oil exploration. It is not our intention to detract from the experiential qualities of the National Park. Indeed, at appeal, the planning inspector commented on our plans for the site: 'I find that the proposed development would conserve and enhance the landscape and scenic beauty of the National Park'.

“In respect of emissions, all UK onshore oil and gas sites must receive a permit from the environment agency in order to operate. The permit includes a gas management plan detailing how the site will minimise the impact on the environment. UK regulations for gas management are very strict which can include planned emissions releases. These are typically very low in volume and in the case of Avington, are equivalent to the annual methane emissions of eight cows.”

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "We are aware of a protest that took place on the Matterley Estate in Winchester on August 6.

"Officers attended and worked with security onsite to monitor the protest. No offences occurred.

"Everyone has the right to free speech and protest. We have a long history of facilitating peaceful protest and upholding the right to protest, while balancing it with the rights of others, keeping the public safe, preventing crime and disorder and seeking to minimise disruption."