23 Jun 2015

Cuadrilla fracking debated by Lancashire council

Protesters gather as energy company Cuadrilla awaits a decision from Lancashire county council on whether it can go ahead with two proposed fracking sites.

One of two sites has already been recommended for fracking by Lancashire council’s planners, but the second was refused due to concerns over traffic volumes and noise pollution.

Preston New Road, near Little Plumpton, received assent from planners last week, but the final say on that site and Roseacre Wood rests with the council’s development committee, which is expected to reach a final decision on both sites by Friday.

Full assent would enable Cuadrilla to carry out test fracking by drilling at up to four exploration wells, but full commercial fracking would require a separate licence.

The government wants more shale developments in the UK to help create jobs and reduce reliance on gas imports, while also providing cheaper energy.

Opponents are concerned the fracking process causes earthquakes and may also pollute water supplies. There are further concerns over damage to countryside and the affect on house prices.

Fracking involves fracturing rock with high-pressure jets of water with the aim of retrieving trapped gas. The method was banned after exploration in the Blackpool area led to earth tremors in April and May 2011, but the ban was lifted by the government in December 2012.

A report at the time found that drilling for fracking had caused the tremors, but that no structural damage was likely.

Friends of the Earth’s North West campaigner Furqan Naeem said before today’s meeting that fracking “could have a hugely damaging impact” on local residents and their environment.

He added: “Councillors must put local communities first, follow the example of Scotland and Wales and say no to dirty fracking.”

Steve Pye, a former chairman of the Blackpool and Fylde and Wyre branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “As long as they [Cuadrilla] follow the rules and the guidelines, as long as it safe, it is a winner for Lancashire.”