A CONTROVERSIAL application by UK Oil and Gas (UKOG) to test drill for oil and gas in Dunsfold, set to be considered by Surrey County Council on February 27, has been put back to March 25.

South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt and Waverley Borough Council have both objected to the plan.

Mr Hunt said: “I have met with residents to discuss the UKOG proposal – and am totally behind their campaign to stop it.

“I have written to the planning inspectorate in support of their concerns and the anticipated adverse impact of such a development.”

Waverley environment portfolio holder Cllr Steve Williams said: “I’ve written to all county councillors to remind them not only of the technical objections by our planning officers, but also of the overwhelming public opposition to any proposed drilling.”

Waverley Friends of the Earth has called for an urgent review of the policies in the Surrey Minerals Plan, saying the current plan is “heavily biased” in favour of the oil and gas industry and a much more balanced plan is needed.

* Planning reference 2019/0072 full details and to respond: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/land-planning-and-development/planning