Call to stop fossil fuels

Environmental campaigners will be out in force in Lincoln this Saturday (February 8) to gain public support in the battle against fossil fuel extraction.

Last year a decade-long battle to quash proposals for an oilfield site in the Lincolnshire Wolds at Biscathorpe resulted in a High Court case being won by campaigners, who brought the claim against the government after plans for exploratory oil drilling was approved in 2023.

Lincolnshire County Council originally refused permission for the oilfield project in 2021, but following the developers’ first appeal, a government-appointed Planning Inspector overturned this decision. Activists won the court case last summer, which the developer, Egdon Resources, now Heyco, has appealed again.

SOS Biscathorpe, the lead campaigners in the case, set up a GoFundMe to raise funds for legal fees and expert advice in response to the appeal. The page explains: “Another Inspector has been appointed but, this time, Egdon will be required to submit information relating to downstream emissions (Scope 3 emissions) that will be released when the oil is burned. 

“These climate impact calculations have never been considered relevant in the past so this is an important step in the right direction. It is vital that we take this opportunity to present a clear case setting out the harmful consequences of fossil fuel extraction. 

“Once again, this could set an important precedent which could influence decisions being made on other onshore developments across the country.” 

Protestors will be campaigning in the city centre between 11am – 1pm led by the Lincoln Extinction Rebellion group to raise awareness about the ongoing case.

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/SaveBiscathorpe 

Protestors are pictured during previous campaigns in the city and outside the High Court.