INEOS confirms seismic shale survey in East Midlands

INEOS has confirmed it intends to undertake a seismic survey in the East Midlands. Nottinghamshire County Council has received formal notification from the company for the 3D survey across parts […]

INEOS has confirmed it intends to undertake a seismic survey in the East Midlands.

Nottinghamshire County Council has received formal notification from the company for the 3D survey across parts of Nottinghamshire for six months, starting in June.

INEOS submitted details about the survey, which extend into Derbyshire and Rotterham, covering an area of around 250 square kilometres.

Subject to certain restrictions and giving prior notification to the county council, planning permission is not required for the survey as government planning rules state it is “permitted development”.

INEOS expects the survey to help gain a better understanding of the geology and rock formations below the ground to understand where shale gas might be located.

This would help the company identify sites where future shale gas development could take place.

Sally Gill, Planning Manager for Nottinghamshire County Council said: “Subject to certain restrictions, INEOS is allowed to undertake the seismic survey without planning permission in line with national planning rules. However, any further development, including test drilling to explore for shale gas below ground, will require full planning permission.

“The county council welcomes the decision by the company to avoid undertaking any surveying within the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve and other areas of special environmental interest.”

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