Council puts Burniston fracking plan on shaky ground

Minister clears way for formal refusal of Burniston frack plan

North Yorkshire councillors are free to issue a formal refusal of plans by Europa Oil & Gas for drilling for gas and lower-volume fracking at Burniston, near Scarborough. Banner at Burniston decision meeting, 24 April 2026. Photo: DrillOrDrop The council’s strategic planning committee voted almost unanimously (11 votes and 1 abstention) in a “minded to” refusal of the planning application last Friday afternoon (24 April 2026) . The formal decis…

Council puts Burniston fracking plan on shaky ground

North Yorkshire Council moves to block fracking near Burniston, with final decision pending government environmental assessment ruling.  The local authority has said it is minded to reject plans for a fracking scheme near Burniston, outside Scarborough, in a decision welcomed by campaigners.  Final approval has been delayed while the government decides whether an environmental impact assessment is required under regulations.  Campaigners from Fr…