The target prospect is oil located in micrite, a type of limestone within the Kimmeridge shale formation.

DECC and the Health and Safety Executive have scrutinised Cuadrilla’s plans and the company has received the environmental permits required for this type of conventional drilling from the Environment Agency.

The company does not have consent to use hydraulic fracturing. If Cuadrilla decides in the future it wishes to frack or to conduct further tests in Balcombe, the company would need to apply for further permissions, including consent from DECC.