Climate groups took to Winchester High Street to gain support for a campaign against oil drilling.
Three Winchester-based groups spoke to people on Saturday about the Avington oil well near Cheesefoot Head.
The proposal, from IGas Energy Ltd, is for the 'retention of wellsite and existing surface and sub-surface infrastructure for a further period of five years in order to allow for further appraisal of oil and gas'.
READ MORE: Winchester oil appraisal plans campaign launched
A spokesman from the campaign said “Today we are highlighting the fact that increasing oil extraction in a year when climate collapse has devastated much of Southern Europe with wildfires, heatwaves and floods is frankly madness. Prioritising short-term commercial gains over the threat of global heating demonstrates a total disregard for local communities and the world at large. We plan to do everything we can to stop Avington oil."
The plans, at the well near Matterley Farm, were refused by the South Downs National Park in 2020, however it was overturned at an appeal in 2021.
Appraisal of the site had taken place from 2009 to 2017 but ceased due to fluctuating international oil prices.
A spokesman for IGas Energy Ltd owner Star Energy Group Plc said: “There is no question the UK will continue to need oil, we are not currently in a position to rely solely on renewable energy sources. UK produced oil offers emissions savings over five of its top six suppliers and imports do not offer the economic, environmental or geopolitical benefits offered by domestic production.
“The Avington site is an existing site that already contains all the infrastructure required for the proposed oil exploration. It is not our intention to detract from the experiential qualities of the National Park. Indeed, at appeal, the planning inspector commented on our plans for the site: 'I find that the proposed development would conserve and enhance the landscape and scenic beauty of the National Park'.
“In respect of emissions, all UK onshore oil and gas sites must receive a permit from the environment agency in order to operate. The permit includes a gas management plan detailing how the site will minimise the impact on the environment. UK regulations for gas management are very strict which can include planned emissions releases. These are typically very low in volume and in the case of Avington, are equivalent to the annual methane emissions of eight cows.”
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