How to Check for Fracking and Oil & Gas Exploration Licences Before Buying Land in the UK

# How to Check for Fracking and Oil & Gas Exploration Licences Before Buying Land in the UK

When buying land in the United Kingdom, most prospective purchasers focus on planning permission, access rights, and soil quality. However, one critical aspect that's often overlooked is whether your intended purchase sits within an oil and gas exploration licence area — and what that could mean for your land use, value, and peace of mind.

Whilst hydraulic fracturing (fracking) remains largely suspended in England following the 2019 moratorium, and is banned in Scotland and Wales, petroleum exploration and development licences (PEDLs) remain active across the UK. These licences grant companies the right to explore for and potentially extract oil and natural gas, which could significantly impact your land, even if you own the surface rights.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about checking for fracking licences UK holdings, understanding oil and gas exploration land rights, and protecting your investment before you complete your purchase.

Understanding UK Oil and Gas Rights: What Land Buyers Need to Know

Unlike in the United States, where landowners typically own both surface and subsurface mineral rights, the UK operates under a fundamentally different system. Since the Petroleum Act 1998, all petroleum existing in its natural condition in underground strata is vested in the Crown.

This means that even if you own land outright, you do not automatically own the rights to oil, gas, coal, gold, or silver beneath it. These rights belong to the Crown and can be licensed to exploration and production companies without your permission as the landowner.

However, this doesn't mean companies can simply walk onto your property. They still require:

• Surface access rights (which you control)
• Planning permission from the local authority
• Environmental permits from the Environment Agency (or equivalent)
• Health and Safety Executive approval for operations

Understanding this distinction is crucial when assessing potential risks to your land purchase.

What Are PEDL Licences and How Do They Work?

Petroleum Exploration and Development Licences (PEDLs) are granted by the Oil and Gas Authority (now part of the North Sea Transition Authority or NSTA) under the Petroleum Act 1998. These licences give companies exclusive rights to:

• Search and bore for petroleum within a defined geographical area
• Get petroleum within that area
• Carry out associated operations

PEDL licences typically operate in three phases:

Initial Term (Exploration)

Usually lasting 4-6 years, this phase allows for seismic surveys and exploratory drilling. Companies conduct desk studies, geological surveys, and may drill exploratory wells to assess reserves.

Second Term (Appraisal)

If discoveries are made, licences can be extended for a further 5 years. Companies appraise the commercial viability of extraction through additional drilling and testing.

Production Phase

If economically viable reserves are confirmed, companies can apply for a development and production programme lasting up to 20 years, with possible extensions.

Crucially, holding a PEDL doesn't guarantee that drilling will occur — but it does mean the possibility exists, and you should factor this into your purchasing decision.

The Current Status of Fracking in the UK (2026)

The landscape for fracking licences UK has changed dramatically over recent years:

England

A moratorium on hydraulic fracturing has been in place since November 2019, following concerns about seismic activity. However, existing PEDL licences remain valid, and the moratorium could theoretically be lifted if new scientific evidence emerges. As of 2026, no commercial fracking operations are taking place, but licences covering conventional oil and gas exploration remain active.

Scotland

The Scottish Government instituted a full ban on fracking in October 2017, with the Underground Industries (Onshore) Regulations 2018 prohibiting unconventional oil and gas extraction, including fracking.

Wales

Wales has maintained a policy against fracking since 2015, with no PEDL licences granted for unconventional extraction. However, conventional exploration licences do exist in some areas.

Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Assembly has not granted any new petroleum licences since 1991, though some historical licences remain in place.

Despite these restrictions, it's essential to check whether your land falls within an existing licence area, as policies can change and conventional extraction may still be permitted.

How to Check if Land Has Oil and Gas Exploration Licences

Fortunately, checking for petroleum exploration and development licences is straightforward and free. Here's your step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Use the NSTA Interactive Map

The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) provides an interactive map showing all current onshore petroleum licences:

1. Visit the NSTA website (www.nstauthority.co.uk)

2. Navigate to their Onshore Licence Map

3. Enter the postcode or coordinates of your intended land purchase

4. View all active PEDL licences in the area

The map displays licence boundaries in different colours, showing the licensee (company holding the licence), licence number, grant date, and current term.

Step 2: Check Your Local Authority's Records

Local planning authorities maintain records of:

• Planning applications for exploratory drilling
• Environmental impact assessments
• Public consultations on proposed operations

Contact your local authority's planning department to request information about any historical or pending applications for petroleum exploration in your area.

Step 3: Review the Coal Authority Records

Whilst focused primarily on coal mining, the Coal Authority's interactive map can also show areas with complex subsurface activity that may interact with oil and gas operations.

Step 4: Check Environmental Permits

The Environment Agency (or SEPA in Scotland, Natural Resources Wales, or NIEA in Northern Ireland) issues environmental permits for petroleum operations. Search their public registers for any permits granted in your area.

Step 5: Conduct a Specific Land Search

When commissioning your conveyancing searches, specifically request:

• A mineral rights search
• Environmental database reports
• Historical land use records

These professional searches cost between £150-£400 but provide comprehensive information about subsurface rights and historical industrial activity.

What a PEDL Licence Means for Your Land

If you discover your intended purchase falls within a PEDL licence area, here's what it could mean practically:

Access and Operations

Licence holders cannot access your land without your permission or a court order. However, they can apply for compulsory access rights if they can demonstrate:

• Economic necessity
• Minimal disruption to surface use
• Fair compensation arrangements

Compensation typically covers:

• Loss of land use during operations
• Damage to property or land
• Diminution in land value
• Disturbance and inconvenience

Rates vary considerably but often range from £20,000 to £50,000 annually for sites hosting production facilities, with additional payments for specific impacts.

Planning Considerations

Your planning permission applications may face additional scrutiny if petroleum exploration is planned nearby. Local authorities must consider:

• Potential conflicts between proposed developments and extraction operations
• Access requirements for drilling equipment
• Safety zones around wellheads

Land Valuation Impact

Land within PEDL licence areas may experience:

• Reduced demand from buyers concerned about future development
• Lower valuations (typically 5-15% less than comparable land without licences)
• Longer marketing times when selling

However, if you negotiate access agreements, potential compensation could offset these concerns. Consider getting a professional land valuation that factors in the PEDL licence before making an offer.

Insurance Implications

Some insurance policies exclude damage related to petroleum operations. Check that your:

• Building insurance covers subsidence from underground operations
• Public liability insurance extends to visitor injuries from surface installations
• Business interruption insurance accounts for access disruptions

Questions to Ask Before Buying Land in a PEDL Area

Before completing your purchase, seek answers to these critical questions:

1. What phase is the licence in? Initial exploration poses less immediate risk than approved production programmes.

2. Who holds the licence? Research the operator's track record, financial stability, and community engagement history.

3. Has any drilling occurred? Check planning records for historical applications and outcomes.

4. What are the geological targets? Conventional gas extraction differs significantly from unconventional fracking operations.

5. What's the local political climate? Strong community opposition may influence future planning decisions.

6. Are there existing surface installations? Wells, pipelines, or processing facilities indicate active operations.

7. Has the landowner received any approaches? Previous contact from operators suggests more immediate intentions.

8. What restrictions exist in the title deeds? Some properties have existing covenants regarding subsurface access.

Negotiating Your Purchase Price

If your intended land purchase falls within a PEDL licence area, use this information in negotiations:

Request a Price Reduction

Market evidence suggests land within active licence areas typically sells for 5-15% below equivalent land without such constraints. Present comparable sales data to justify your lower offer.

Seek Warranties from the Seller

Ask the seller to warrant in the contract that:

• They have received no contact from licence holders
• No access agreements or negotiations are underway
• They know of no planned operations
• All correspondence with operators is disclosed

Include Protective Clauses

Consider making your offer conditional upon:

• No planning applications for drilling being submitted before completion
• Receiving satisfactory advice from a minerals solicitor
• Obtaining appropriate insurance coverage

Protecting Your Investment After Purchase

If you proceed with buying land in a PEDL licence area, take these protective measures:

Register for Planning Alerts

Sign up with your local authority to receive automatic notifications of any planning applications within 1km of your land.

Document Your Land Condition

Take comprehensive photographs and consider a professional structural survey of any buildings. This baseline evidence proves invaluable if you later need to claim compensation for damage.

Join Local Action Groups

Many areas have community organisations monitoring petroleum developments. These groups provide early warnings and collective negotiating power.

Consult Specialists Before Signing Anything

If operators contact you about access, consult a solicitor specialising in minerals and petroleum law before responding. Standard access agreements often favour operators, and specialist advice typically improves terms significantly.

Consider Your Long-term Plans

Factor potential disruption into your business planning, especially if you're purchasing land for:

• Residential development (where buyer concerns may affect sales)
• Agricultural use (where operations could disrupt farming activities)
• Tourism or leisure (where visual impact matters)
• Conservation (where environmental impacts are critical)

Alternative Approaches: Buying Land Outside PEDL Areas

If the presence of petroleum exploration licences concerns you significantly, consider:

Searching in Licence-free Areas

Substantial areas of the UK have no active PEDL licences. Browse our locations guide to explore counties with minimal petroleum licensing.

Focusing on Scotland or Wales

With comprehensive bans on unconventional extraction, these nations offer greater certainty for long-term land owners, though conventional licences still exist.

Seeking Legal Covenants

In rare cases, title deeds include restrictive covenants preventing subsurface operations. These are valuable but uncommon.

The Future of UK Oil and Gas Exploration

The outlook for oil and gas exploration land in the UK remains uncertain:

• Climate commitments under the Climate Change Act 2008 may lead to further restrictions
• Energy security concerns following global events could revive interest in domestic production
• Technological advances might make previously uneconomic reserves viable
• Public opinion remains largely opposed to fracking, influencing political decisions

As of 2026, government policy emphasises the transition to renewable energy, but existing licences remain legally valid. This limbo creates uncertainty for land buyers, making thorough due diligence essential.

Conclusion: Knowledge Is Protection

Checking for fracking licences UK holdings and petroleum exploration rights is a straightforward but crucial step in your land buying journey. Whilst the presence of a PEDL licence doesn't necessarily prevent productive land use, understanding the implications allows you to:

• Negotiate appropriate purchase prices
• Protect yourself with proper legal agreements
• Make informed decisions about your land's future
• Prepare for potential operational impacts

Remember: the five minutes spent checking the NSTA map could save you years of unexpected complications and thousands of pounds in lost value.

For comprehensive guidance on all aspects of the land buying process, read our complete guide to buying land in the UK, which covers everything from initial searches to completion.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Plot?

Whether you're looking for land with clean subsurface rights or want expert advice on navigating PEDL-licensed areas, we're here to help. Get a free, no-obligation land valuation or browse available land by location to find your ideal purchase today.

Remember: informed buyers make better decisions. Take the time to check for oil and gas exploration licences, and buy with confidence.