COUNCIL leaders say they are “extremely disappointed” local authorities were not consulted on an extension to oil drilling operations off the Dorset coast.

As reported yesterday, petroleum licence operator Corallian Energy was given the go-ahead to continue drilling until the end of March by government regulator OPRED.

Drilling in Poole Bay was originally meant to be completed by the end of February; however, the arrival of the oil rig ENSCO 72 was delayed by almost a week due to bad weather.

Leader of Bournemouth council, John Beesley, said he had submitted “robust objections” to the Colter offshore oil exploration well proposals.

“Despite this, consent was granted to the applicant Corallian Energy by the central government regulator, OPRED, much to our disappointment.

“We understood from the regulator that to comply with the approved mitigation measures, the applicant’s operations must be completed by the end of February 2019, so we are surprised to learn that an extension has been approved by the regulator for the operations to be completed by the end of March 2019.”

He added: “Bournemouth Borough Council were not consulted or invited to comment by OPRED on the time extension, which is deeply disappointing. We continue to seek assurances from the regulator that the full range mitigation measures they have approved are being complied with.

“We would want to see this operation finalised at the earliest possible opportunity so that risks associated with the operation to our marine environment can be eliminated.”

Councillor Janet Walton, leader of Poole council, said she was also “extremely disappointed” to learn of the extension of drilling operations.

“Unfortunately, the Borough of Poole was not consulted or asked for our views on the impact of this extension, but had we been so, we would have put forward a response that highlighted our previous position.

“In February 2018 the Borough of Poole expressly advised that we would expect the highest environmental standards and best practice to be adopted in relation to the protection of the marine and terrestrial environment, as well as the potential impact on air and water quality.

“We will be monitoring the situation closely to seek every reassurance that Corallian Energy is complaint with the Environmental Impact Assessment mitigation measures set in place.”

Drilling of the Colter exploration well is planned to reach a total depth of 1,830 metres.

The rig, which is located some four miles from the coast of Studland and six from Bournemouth, arrived on the first weekend of February.

As previously reported, campaigners against the drilling unearthed the chemical permit issued by OPRED.

Save Our Shores Bournemouth said this allowed “up to 6753 tons of chemicals to be discharged, including eight tons of biocide”.

However, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said that the proposed chemical use and discharge “would not pose a significant environmental risk”.

OPRED confirmed the extension was granted on Friday.