Breaking news: Fracking application rejected

The decision was taken by the West Sussex County Council planning committee.

The news was welcomed by Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth.

Both groups say Celtique’s application would have paved the way for ‘fracking’, a controversial technique for extracting fossil fuels from shale.

A statement from the county council said: “The application was for temporary three year permission for oil and gas exploration.

“Councillors refused it on the grounds that the applicant had not demonstrated the site represented the best option compared to other sites, has unsafe highways access and would have an adverse impact on Wisborough Green as a conservation area.

Speaking after the decision, Councillor Heidi Brunsdon, chairman of West Sussex County Council’s planning committee, said: “There were simply too many highways issues and other issues of concern for any decision other than refusal in this instance.

“We have noted the objections of the local community and I felt that the debate today was a full and robust one.”