Minerals Local Plan Issues and Options consultation

Nottinghamshire Minerals Local Plan - Issues and Options Consultation

This letter forms UKOOG's response to the 'Issues and Options Consultation' for the Nottinghamshire Minerals Local Plan. UKOOG is the representative body for the UK onshore oil and gas industry, including exploration and production.

The onshore oil and gas industry in the UK has a long history, having been in existence for over 150 years, working closely with communities and the wider environment over that time. There are a number of oil and gas operating companies currently active in Nottinghamshire, providing jobs and helping to support the local economy and the wider community within the county.
UKOOG and the onshore industry very much welcomes the opportunity to engage with Nottinghamshire County Council in the development of this Minerals Local Plan, as we recognise the strategic importance of establishing robust policies that will determine minerals provision in the county until 2036.
At this current time UKOOG does not have any specific comments on the questions posed within the 'Issues and Options' document, but we are supportive of the councils suggested approach to develop a 'criteria based policy for hydrocarbons', which recognises the roles of the other regulators and aligns with national policy on both conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons.
We would support a similar approach in the formulation of policies relating to hydrocarbons to that taken by Lincolnshire County Council in their Minerals and Waste Local Plan. The policies are considered to be concise and well-structured and take a measured and sound approach, which has been successfully examined and supported by the adoption of the Local Plan in June 2016.

We would welcome the opportunity to be involved in the next stages of the development plan and would be grateful if you could ensure we are informed as the plan develops.