Application for test drilling at Balcombe approved

The energy firm at the centre of anti-fracking protests in West Sussex has been given permission to carry out further tests. West Sussex County Council has given Cuadrilla a licence to see if oil could be commercially extracted at its site near the village of Balcombe.

The firm has ruled out using the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing. But environmentalists claim drilling for fossil fuels in rural locations is dangerous. Watch Malcolm Shaw's report.

Energy company Cuadrilla is to return to the West Sussex village which was at the centre of high-profile anti-fracking protests last summer. West Sussex County Council granted the firm six months permission to carry out oil and gas exploration, near Balcombe.

About 900 people objected to Cuadrilla returning to flow test at the Lower Stumble exploration site, which drew thousands of protesters opposed to fracking last year.

More than 100 people attended the planning meeting in Horsham, but environmental campaigners fearful the testing could lead on to fracking were left dismayed at the decision to approve.

West Sussex Council have approved a planning application by Cuadrilla for exploration at Balcombe, for six months.