UK Government planning permission records, news reports

UK Supreme Court Issues Landmark Ruling on Fossil Fuel Planning Permissions, Requires Emissions Assessment

Jun 20, 2024, 10:39 AM

The UK Supreme Court has delivered a landmark ruling requiring that planning permissions for oil, gas, and coal developments must include an assessment of the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the burning of these fuels. This decision came after a legal challenge by Sarah Finch against Surrey County Council's approval of an oil drilling project in Horley. The ruling is expected to have significant implications for future fossil fuel projects across the UK, potentially making it more difficult for new developments to gain approval. Environmental activists have hailed the decision as a major victory in the fight against climate change. The ruling follows a 5 year campaign and specifically addresses the environmental assessment of an onshore oil well site in southern England. The UK's top court emphasized the need for comprehensive environmental impact evaluations.