A landmark court ruling against a UK county council which took place this week could impact future UK oil and gas projects.
The UK’s Supreme Court has ruled that the wider climate impact of burning fossil fuels should be considered when granting permission for drilling sites.
Under planning laws, it has always been thought that only the environmental impact of constructing the wells, not the use of the final oil products should be considered. But the Supreme Court has now ruled that Surrey County Council should have considered the the full climate impact of burning oil from new wells.
The case brought against Surrey County Council by Sarah Finch, on behalf of campaigners, could threaten new UK fossil fuels projects.
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By a three-to-two majority, the court found that Surrey County Council’s decision to expand a permit was unlawful.
Friends of the Earth said the ruling would have “enormous impact” on whether similar developments can proceed.
“The oil and gas companies may act like business-as-usual is still an option, but it will be very hard for planning authorities to permit new fossil fuel developments — in the Weald, the North Sea or anywhere else — when their true climate impact is clear for all to see,” Finch said.
Finch’s victory draws to close a five-year legal battle on behalf of local residents.
Mel Evans, a campaigner at Greenpeace UK, said the ruling was a “huge win for the climate”.
Last month, Greenpeace blasted oil bosses for “scaremongering” as it welcomes an academic report saying new fossil fuel projects aren’t needed.
