Oil wells could be sprouting near Tunbridge Wells if a drilling company strikes it lucky in Kent.

Derricks could dominate the skyline - transforming the quiet village of Bidborough into a Dallas-style landscape.

Midmar Energy UK has been granted permission by Kent County Council to drill an exploratory well in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Bidborough, between the royal spa town and its neighbour Tonbridge.

It comes nearly 20 years after oil was first detected by Conoco in 1981.

Back then the reservoir was not properly tested - now Midmar reckons the site is "an extremely attractive prospect".

If big reserves of oil are discovered, permission will be sought to set up a permanent operation.

The site is on agricultural land next to Gate Farm Road, just north of Bidborough, owned by Judd Wood Farm. Midmar's planning application was passed on the assurance the land would be returned to nature following the drilling.

Construction should start later this year, with drilling beginning in 2011 and continuing 24 hours a day to stop the well collapsing.

An 18-metre derrick will be built and the site will be floodlit overnight.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council initially objected to the plans, citing concerns over the impact on the landscape and the lighting, but the Environment Agency had no objections.

Lorries building the derrick and working on the site will be sent from the A21 along Quarry Hill Road, Brook Street and Haysden Lane.

Bournemouth-based Midmar specialises in acquiring onshore oil fields and returning them to profitability.