We strongly oppose the proposal to construct a drill pad, security compound and access road for HGVs on agricultural land outside of Arreton for a number of reasons:
http://www.dontdrillthewight.co.uk 

1 The application does not comply with the local planning policy SP5 (Environment core strategy) and DM13 (Green infrastructure) as it does not protect, conserve or enhance the island’s natural environment.

2. To approve this application for oil drilling will industrialise the rural landscape of St George’s Down, as there will be infill between the power station (biodigester)& the quarry along the Downs. This will be visually intrusive & contribute towards noise and light pollution.

3. The Isle of Wight is a designated dark skies park, and has UNESCO Biosphere status, as well as much of the island being designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

4. These plans will contribute towards light pollution and disrupt the wildlife habitat. Drilling for oil, extra HGV use on narrow rural roads, burn off from methane – these industrial activities are incompatible with the Isle of Wight’s status as an area of natural beauty.

5. The risk of contamination of water supply for an isolated island community is too great. The Isle of Wight already needs to import 30% of drinking water. The plans for the oil drilling involve drilling 2km below the surface, directly through the main aquifer for the population

...cont 5. of 130,000 people. Any leakage of toxic chemicals and fluids through the drill sleeve and into the groundwater will contaminate water, rending it unsafe and the population reliant on imported water. This is too great a risk to take.

6. The Blackwater- Arreton road is unsuitable for increase in HGV traffic which will be necessary. This is a 60 limit road with less than 150m visibility out of the drill pad access site. To site an industrial operation off this road on this scale will be a danger to road users.

7. Plans for decommissioning & restoring the site are inadequate. UKOG must guarantee funds for this essential part of the plans before construction, as restoration must take place even if the company ceases to operate. Neither the Council nor the UK Govt should foot the bill

8. The IW Council declared a “Climate Emergency” 24.7.19 with an ‘aim to be carbon neutral by 2030’. Approving oil drilling, reliant on HGVs for construction & transportation, & extracting millions of barrels of oil out of the ground is completely incompatible with this noble aim

9. To approve this application will set a precedent for other wells in the future. UKOG stated that they will drill outside Godshill. Therefore the application has repercussions for the Isle of Wight for the next 20yrs or more – not the next 3 years as stated in the application.

Don't forget to object! @DontDrillWight http://www.dontdrillthewight.co.uk 

Calling @TheGreenParty members on the #IsleofWight and beyond - please Don't Forget to Object to the proposals to drill for oil on the island. Help in this thread and at http://www.dontdrillthewight.co.uk 
Deadline is 24th July - a week tomorrow