Oil exploration firm Europa has won a High Court battle to be allowed to drill for oil at the Holmwood prospect in Surrey.
The company, which has a 40% stake in the licence for the Weald Basin site, said it was now considering the next step for the site.
Europa had been looking to overturn an inspector’s decision to dismiss an appeal by Europa against Surrey County Council’s refusal to grant planning permission to drill an exploration well on the prospect.
However, the battle could return to the courts after Mr Justice Ouseley granted the Leith Hill Action Group leave to appeal the ruling.
“We are naturally pleased with the judge’s decision,” said Europa chief executive Hugh Mackay.
“Above all, allowing conventional exploration to take place at Holmwood is consistent with recent government initiatives to promote hydrocarbon exploration in onshore UK.
“Were a commercial discovery to be made at Holmwood, not only would it materially add to Europa’s existing production of 180boepd from three existing UK onshore fields, but it would also generate substantial tax receipts for the Government over the life of a well.”
The judge’s ruling means the appeal will now go to the planning inspectorate for consideration again, with another planning inquiry for the site a possibility.