Esso is planning to replace 90km of its 105km underground aviation fuel pipeline that runs from Southampton to London. A large portion of the existing pipeline, and the proposed new route for the replacement pipeline, passes through Surrey Heath.

Esso has been consulting local residents, but they have raised significant concerns regarding the Turf Hill portion of the proposed pipeline in Lightwater.

Michael met local Councillors and concerned residents in August 2019, and wrote to Esso, the Planning Inspectorate, Surrey Heath Borough Council and Natural England to raise his constituents’ objections.

You can view Michael’s objection letter of 31 July 2019 to the Planning Inspectorate here.

In January 2020, Michael wrote again to Esso to ask if the proposed route for the pipeline can be changed following the Planning Inspectorate’s visit to the site. He will be meeting Esso’s Project Executive, Tim Sunderland in March to discuss this further.

Michael has also discussed Esso proposals with Affinity Water, as Esso wishes to use its easement in Turf Hill, and also plans to meet Natural England in the near future to review the situation.