All previously licensed fields are accounted for in terms of projected production and estimated emissions and the Government is confident that they can be developed, even as the UK seeks to achieve its commitment to net zero by 2050.

Extensions to the Colter appraisal well environmental approvals were requested because of weather delays during drilling operations at the rig’s previous location and during the tow to the Poole Bay site.

The relevant environmental consultees, Natural England, the Marine Management Organisation and the Environment Agency, were consulted in relation to the proposed extensions. The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED), is content that there are no sustainable objections to the proposals and that the extensions would not result in any significant environmental impact.

Representations were received from my rt. Hon. Friends the Members for New Forest East, South Holland and The Deepings, and Bournemouth East; and my hon. Friends the Members for Bournemouth West, and Meon Valley. The concerns related, in particular, to the perceived sensitivity of the proposed well location, potential effects on tourism and leisure activities and also potential effects on local seahorse populations. Additional concerns cited related to the potential impact of a major oil spill and the policy of continued exploitation of fossil fuels.

A representation was received from Dorset County Council confirming that there was no objection in relation to landscape and seascape impacts, due to the short-term nature of the operations. Representations was also received from the Borough of Poole Council and Bournemouth Borough Council on concerns regarding the effects on tourism, the risk of a vessel collision with the drilling rig in poor weather or storm conditions, and potential impacts on water quality from operational marine discharges that could affect the area’s ‘Blue Flag’ beaches.

No representations were received from district councils in Dorset.