Finch said it was “depressing” to have to fight another application.

She said: “Any new oil and gas production will bust our chances of keeping global heating within safe limits.”

“The application should have assessed the emissions from Horse Hill oil on a global basis, taking into account the emissions from other existing and committed fossil fuel projects.

“It failed to do so, so I believe allowing the project on this basis would be unlawful.”

Friends of the Earth said the new application did not follow government guidance on assessing the climate impact of burning oil that would be produced.

The charity, which objected to the plans, added it had also submitted an “expert evidence” warning of earthquake risks associated with the proposal

Friends of the Earth’s interim head of legal, Katie de Kauwe, said approving the proposal would be a “backwards step that we cannot afford to take”.

“The route to lower bills, greater energy security and a safer climate is a rapid transition to renewables,” she added.

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