SUPPORTERS and opponents of a bid to drill for oil under a woodland site near Rowlands Castle have been given more time to make their case to planners.
Bosses at UK Oil and Gas Investments (UKOG) have been granted permission by the South Downs National Park Authority to amend their proposals for Markwells Wood.
Planners have also agreed to allow comments until the day of the decision, with a January D-Day being targeted by officers.
The firm – which wants to drill up to four wells on the secluded site north of Forestside – has faced considerable opposition with more than 1,300 objections being lodged.
Concerns about noise, light pollution and impact on traffic have all been raised but the biggest fear is water contamination as UKOG wants to tap an oil field that lies beneath an aquifer.
The firm vehemently denies that their operation, which could run for 20 years, will have any effect on water quality or supplies and met some Forestside residents last week in a bid to allay concerns.
Members of the Markwells Wood Watch pressure group are keen on holding a community meeting in Forestside and Stansted village hall on Tuesday, December 13.
More details about the application can be found online by typing 04679 into the search box after following the link at www.southdowns.gov.uk.