CAMPAIGNERS are raising money for a legal challenge against Tory-run Surrey Council in a bid to prevent controversial oil drilling in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Developers Europa are exploiting a loophole in order to build fences and security huts on a site near Dorking to enable plans to drill, Leith Hill Action Group (LHAG) warned yesterday.

Last month, Surrey County Council’s planning committee granted permission for the Leith Hill site.

LHAG urgently needs to raise £25,000 for a judicial appeal against council plans which would pave the way for oil “exploration,” similar to that which is already taking place in nearby Horse Hill in Gatwick.

Locals there have branded the exploration tests “ecocide,” with some saying they have experienced nosebleeds.

Europa have put in its own appeal, in what campaigners say is a “breathtaking piece of irony,” as it claims the council did not decide quickly enough in favour of its traffic management plan.

LHAG claims that Europa’s delays are of its own making.

Patrick Nolan, committee member for LHAG, said the developer was “sneaking through the backdoor” with the application as it claimed it was extracting minerals in the area, which would allow it to bid for a major development.

LHAG have spent nearly a decade fighting plans, and some members have been in “protection camps” near the site for a year.

Mr Nolan added: “It could be years before [Europa] can put drill to earth.

“Its lease runs out in 2018, so people will be able to raise objections [again].”

To donate, visit: www.lhag.org.uk