Council approves Balcombe fossil fuel exploration

Councillors approved an oil company’s plans to explore for fossil fuels in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, despite nearly 3,000 objections.
Cuadrilla Resources drilled a well in Balcombe in 2013 but the initial licence to test for oil flow expired.
The company said it was “delighted” West Sussex County Council approved the renewed application.
However campaigners fear this will lead to further drilling in Lower Stumble, at a detriment to the environment.
Photograph: BBC