The British Geological Survey has identified parts of Oxfordshire as having geology that potentially may contain shale gas.  Oil and gas exploration and production (including shale gas) are subject to licensing by the Government.  There are currently no licences covering Oxfordshire.  The Government is planning to launch a new round of onshore licensing in 2014 (14^th licence round) and we understand that parts of Oxfordshire may be included.

 

Oil and gas exploration and production (including shale gas) also require planning permission.  The County Council as mineral planning authority is responsible for determining planning applications for oil and gas exploration and production.  There are no current applications for oil or gas exploration or production in Oxfordshire and we are not aware of any forthcoming proposals.   Any planning application for fracking or any other form of oil or gas exploration or production would be considered by the County Council against relevant national and local planning policy.  National planning policy for oil and gas is contained in the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework, March 2012.  In addition, the Government recently published ‘Planning practice guidance for onshore oil and gas’, July 2013, which covers shale gas and fracking.  This includes guidance on how mineral planning authorities should consider any environmental impacts of planning applications for oil and gas exploration and production.