Plans to drill for oil on Isle of Wight rejected

A controversial plan to allow exploratory drilling for oil on the Isle of Wight has been rejected.

The planning application was made by UK Oil and Gas.

Critics had claimed the drilling, between Newport and Sandown, would have had a severe impact impact on the Island's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The proposal was for an area of land to be turned into a hub for industrial machinery.

Campaigner Stephen Davis said: "You're looking at creating an operating pad where chemicals will be stored.

"Already as a society we're having to spend money to deal with the effects of climate change and to adapt the way we live.

UK Oil and Gas Investments did not want to comment but the planning committee heard from UK Oil and Gas. It said that the UK will still rely on oil and gas for many years to come and it makes no economic or environmental sense to import those supplies.

Committee members agreed though they could find no benefit to the local economy.