Angus Energy plc said it would appeal against West Sussex County Council’s refusal to allow a short well test at the Balcombe oil field (PEDL244), southeast of Crawley.
The company added that it had had further discussions with the local authority whose planning officers had recommended approval.
Angus which has a 25% interest in the licence, is making its appeal to the Planning Inspectorate and is currently preparing its statement of case.
The site holds Balcombe 1, Balcombe 2Z (to be tested) wells.
The company’s partners include Cuadrilla Balcombe Ltd and Lucas Bolney Ltd.