Latest news with #Dunsfold
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oil and gas drilling licence surrendered at site
A licence to drill for oil and gas at a site in Surrey has reportedly been relinquished by UK Oil & Gas (UKOG). The firm had previously applied to explore the site in Dunsfold, with the application approved by the government, despite it twice being refused by the local council. Waverley Borough Council said the decision for UKOG to surrender its licence marked a "significant victory for the local community, environmental campaigners and the council". UKOG chief executive Stephen Sanderson said the divestment was in keeping with the company's transition away from hydrocarbons into the clean hydrogen storage and production sector. Local farmers previously argued that the disruption to traffic, businesses and the environment were not in proportion to potential benefits. Following the decision, councillor Steve Williams said it was a "momentous day for our community and our environment". "The decision by UKOG to surrender their licence is a testament to the tireless efforts of residents and campaigners who have stood firm in their opposition to this project," he said. "It is a clear message that the protection of our natural heritage and the well-being of our residents must come first." Council leader Paul Follows added that the decision was "a step in the right direction" and reinforced the council's commitment to protecting the environment for future generations. Meanwhile, Sir Jeremy Hunt said drilling in Dunsfold was "always a ridiculous idea and would have ruined the area". He added: "This is wonderful news and totally the right decision." UKOG previously said the project would benefit energy and economic interests. The firm said it would be able to extract gas from the Dunsfold site worth £123m, and that the project was in keeping with the government's Hydrogen, Energy Security and Net Zero strategies. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Farmers' fury over potential gas drilling site Gas drilling decision disappointing - Jeremy Hunt Gas drilling application approved by government Waverley Borough Council UK Oil & Gas
BBC News
04-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Oil and gas drilling licence surrendered at Dunsfold site
A licence to drill for oil and gas at a site in Surrey has reportedly been relinquished by UK Oil & Gas (UKOG).The firm had previously applied to explore the site in Dunsfold, with the application approved by the government, despite it twice being refused by the local Borough Council said the decision for UKOG to surrender its licence marked a "significant victory for the local community, environmental campaigners and the council".UKOG has been approached for comment. Local farmers previously argued that the disruption to traffic, businesses and the environment were not in proportion to potential the decision, councillor Steve Williams said it was a "momentous day for our community and our environment"."The decision by UKOG to surrender their licence is a testament to the tireless efforts of residents and campaigners who have stood firm in their opposition to this project," he said."It is a clear message that the protection of our natural heritage and the well-being of our residents must come first."Council leader Paul Follows added that the decision was "a step in the right direction" and reinforced the council's commitment to protecting the environment for future Sir Jeremy Hunt said drilling in Dunsfold was "always a ridiculous idea and would have ruined the area".He added: "This is wonderful news and totally the right decision."Meanwhile, UKOG previously said the project would benefit energy and economic firm said it would be able to extract gas from the Dunsfold site worth £123m, and that the project was in keeping with the government's Hydrogen, Energy Security and Net Zero strategies.
Top Gear
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Here's the Lego Technic Aston Martin Valkyrie, yours for £54.99
Functioning gullwing doors? Check. Moving pistons? Check. Pit lane beneath the coffee table? We're working on it… Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. The Aston Martin Valkyrie is one of the fastest cars around the Top Gear track. Thanks to Lego, you can now have yer own scaled-down Dunsfold hero in Technic form. You'll get 707 pieces (a subtle reference to the DBX707?) to assemble, with the finished product featuring an identical 'Podium Green' livery to the real thing, plus functioning gullwing doors, moving pistons and a working differential.
Forbes
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Ex-Stig Ben Collins Returns To Top Gear Track In 700HP Praga Bohema Supercar
Ben Collins is more than familiar with the old Top Gear test track at Dunsfold The former Top Gear Stig, Ben Collins, has set the fastest production pure combustion road car lap at the Dunsfold Test Track in the Praga Bohema supercar. Collins set a remarkable time of 1:09:84, narrowly missing the Aston Martin Valkyrie's time of 1:09.70. With a dry curb weight of just 2,300 lbs (1,000kg) paired with a 3.8-liter V6 twin-turbo engine producing 700 bhp and 725Nm of torque, the Bohema is an impressive feat of engineering. In July, Collins will be involved in the handover for three customer cars at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Ben Collins, ex-Stig and Praga test driver said: 'Setting such a fast time at Dunsfold on regular road tyres was such a thrill. I knew the Bohema would be fast, but Dunsfold's tight turns and short straights are not ideal for a car that lives and breathes downforce. It shows how potent the mix of lightweight engineering, great aerodynamics, and pure combustion can be – even up against hybrid hypercars from established brands with more than 1,000 bhp. The owners taking delivery of their Bohema at Goodwood are in for the time of their lives as their new cars take to the Hill!' From all angles the Bohema is an incredible piece of art Praga is a Czech manufacturer that has been building vehicles for nearly 120 years. The world of supercars is a new area for the business but the Bohema's performance speaks for itself. Collins' lap time was completed on a set of road tires and he even drove to the circuit in the Bohema ahead of the track session. Collins said: 'We probably only did half a dozen hot laps in the time available, but with VBox timing I could see my purple sectors were looking good – if I had put together the perfect lap, we would have been at the top of the list. But, the fastest ever pure-petrol road car at the first attempt is a pretty good result too. I look forward to showing the crowds at Goodwood just what the car is capable of.' The fastest lap time at Dunsfold is held by a Renault R24 at 0:59:00 While the Bohema is road legal, it's designed to excel on the track with its racing-focused suspension and carbon ceramic brakes. The supercar can achieve 62mph from a standstill in under three seconds and produces 1,984lbs (900kg) of downforce at 155mph. Although it doesn't achieve the fastest top speed for a car of this class, the Bohema will still take your breath away when it tops out at 197mph. Tomas Kasparek, Praga Cars Owner said: 'I was delighted to see the time Bohema achieved at Dunsfold. It confirms the top level of performance capabilities of the car and it underlines its potential. More than the impressive number on the stopwatch, this highlights the incredible effort made by the whole team – and, of course, Ben's super driving skills. I'm extremely proud.' Ben Collins getting ready to take on Dunsfold Following the delivery of the first production model to a customer in the Netherlands in December, Praga will take three customer cars to the Goodwood Festival of Speed this summer. The handovers will see the first US owner take delivery of their new car and include an opportunity for the three new recipients to ride up the iconic Goodwood hill climb. Kasparek added: 'The Goodwood Festival of Speed is the best place in the world to hand over our Bohema supercars to our new clients. We've enjoyed working with our customers this spring, especially Herman van der Pavert, the owner of the first Bohema production car. As a new brand in the supercar market, every one of our customers is hugely important to us so, as we share the journey with them, we seek out ways to demonstrate our appreciation. I hope they enjoy going up the hill with Ben and that all the fans enjoy the spectacle with us.'
Motor 1
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Watch Hammond and May Lap The Top Gear Test Track One Last Time
The test track at Dunsfold's Aerodrome in the United Kingdom was the defining location of Top Gear . While much of the presenting took place in a studio, a large chunk of the testing, lapping, and tomfoolery we remember most happened at the fabled airstrip-turned-road course. Used from 2002 as a primary filming location for the show, the Aerodrome faces an uncertain future. In 2018, rumors circulated that the track would be demolished to make room for a new residential housing project. And while development has begun at the opposite end of the airfield, the 1.9-mile track should remain operational at least through 2026, according to . In the wake of that uncertainty, former Top Gear hosts James May and Richard Hammond thought it a good time to revisit the legendary location and reminisce on their experiences. While the Aerodrome is best-known for the Stig's timed "Power Laps," the show also used Dunsfold for a variety of reviews, features, and comparisons. Production of Top Gear was put on hold in 2023 "for the foreseeable future" after host Freddie Flintoff rolled a Morgan 3-Wheeler at Dunsfold while filming, resulting in serious injury. The BBC later reached a settlement with Flintoff reportedly worth $11.3 million at the time. "We know resting the show will be disappointing news for fans, but it is the right thing to do," the BBC said in its 2023 statement. "All other Top Gear activity remains unaffected by this hiatus, including international formats, digital, magazines, and licensing." In fact, Top Gear Magazine in the UK still uses the Aerodrome for timed laps with the Stig , the publication's masked racing driver. As of this writing, the record is held by the McMurtry Spéirling fan car, with a time of 55.9 seconds —making it quicker than even an F1 car. We Miss Top Gear James May and Richard Hammond Are Just Doing Top Gear Stuff Now Top Gear Is Attempting to Set an Off-Road World Record Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
