On Air Now Josh Beaven Live from the Hilton Barbados Resort 7:00pm - Midnight Taylor Swift - Cruel Summer Schedule

Controversial Arreton Oil Plans Recommended For Approval

Controversial plans to drill for oil at a site in Arreton have been recommended for conditional approval by Isle of Wight Council planning officers.

If approved, the proposals would see UK Oil and Gas (UKOG) granted temporary permission to drill for a period of three years.

Before plans can go any further, Isle of Wight planning councillors will have to give the greenlight. They are due to meet at County Hall next Tuesday (19).

UKOG wants to construct and operate a well site, for the exploration and appraisal of hydrocarbon minerals.

Two boreholes would be drilled at the site, near New Barn Business Park. One exploratory borehole and one side-track borehole would be installed for a period of three years, before the area is returned to its original state.

Campaign group Don't Drill The Wight has previously condemned the plans, saying it's "the wrong scheme, in the wrong place, at the wrong time". There are fears the scheme, albeit temporary, may lead to a long-term operation at the site.

As well as the two exploratory boreholes, the works would also involve the installation of plant and equipment, the construction of a new access track, a new junction with the Newport to Sandown highway (A3056), the erection of boundary fencing, entrance gates and other ancillary development with restoration to agriculture.

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely are among those who have objected to the plans, as have Whitwell, Rookley, Arreton and Fishbourne Parish Councils.

More from Isle of Wight News