PROTESTERS camping at a proposed oil and gas exploration site in Dorset are preparing to leave after planning permission for the scheme expired.

Last year, energy firm InfraStrata announced exploratory drilling, which it was first given temporary permission for in 2013, had been postponed at California Quarry until at least winter 2016/17.

Swanage Protection Camp was set up at California Quarry, near Swanage, in September in a bid to stop ground works.

However, permission expired on Saturday and campaigners say work has not yet begun.

Opponents of the scheme said they wanted to force a second planning application because they had not been represented during the first one.

Since planning permission was granted, Infrastrata announced it was divesting its interest to a newly-formed company, Corallian, and no longer intended to carry out the work.

But protesters still occupied the site to ensure no works took place that would prevent permission expiring.

Previously, Green Party activist Stuart Lane, one of the camp members, said the group was worried about the health and safety of local residents, and possible damage to the surrounding environment.

The quarry is close to Durlston Country Park, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

In 2013 the county council agreed to extend permission for oil production at Purbeck's nearby Wytch Farm oilfield for another 21 years. Extraction also takes place at Wareham and Kimmeridge.