Singleton
PL240
Operator: Star Energy
This site is producing oil, under a planning permission which runs until 31 December 2031.
The operator applied for a new environmental permit for the site, as part of an exercise to bring older oil and gas sites under environmental regulations introduced in 2013.
The new permit would have allowed it to reinject up to 17,000 cubic metres of water a year, with a monthly limit of 2,500 cubic metres. The water is produced from oil and gas sites in the Weald, and would contain naturally-occurring radioactive material, known as NORM. Star Energy is already reinjecting wastewater at Singleton.
The Weald Action Group objected Weald Action Group’s objection here – read more and look at our consultation response
Result: import and reinjection of wastewater from external sites is forbidden; reinjection of toxic produced fluids on site continues.
A group of concerned citizens from local communities surrounding the Singleton oilfield has formed Singleton Forest Watch and is investigating methane emissions from the oilfield, among other things.
King’s College Human Rights and Environmental Legal Clinic researched legal remedies around emissions, using Singleton as a case study. The result was a report, Methane Emissions from UK Onshore Oil and Gas: Regulation and Redress.
From 2021–2024, CleanClean Air Task Force filmed methane emissions on multiple visits to Singleton. They found hatches to the separation tanks open with gas spewing, gas flowing from vent stack, and leaks from underground were detected flowing through the concrete. Combustion of gas in the flares appears incomplete due to black carbon that is visible each time the site has been visited.
In September 2024, Singleton Forest Watch sent a Pre-Action Protocol Letter to Star Energy via Leigh Day solicitors, warning of Judicial Review. Researchers Kevin Anderson and Dan Calverley were commissioned to write a methane report for Singleton.
In July 2025, Star was granted permission for gas to grid. Singleton Forest Watch had objected due to insufficient grid capacity and worries about continued flaring and venting.
Singleton Forest Watch continues to campaign for a closure of reinjection of toxic wastewater in a Source Protection Zone.