Fracking Plans For Lancashire Are Rejected

Plans by Cuadrilla to frack for shale gas in Lancashire have been rejected by county councillors.

The company had been seeking permission for exploratory drilling and fracking in Little Plumpton, between Preston and Blackpool.

Planners had recommended the submission be approved, subject to conditions.

However, members of Lancashire County Council's development control committee voted 10-4 to reject the application.

A motion had been passed by the committee to turn down the plans because of how it would cause noise pollution, and an unacceptable impact on the landscape.

While members of the public, including residents living near the proposed site, stood up and applauded the committee's decision it also marked a huge setback for Cuadrilla and the Government.

Ministers are supporting the industry on the grounds of its potential to create jobs and cut energy prices, as shale oil and gas has done for the US.

But environmentalists argue the operations risk earthquakes, can pollute water supplies and damage house prices.

Fracking involves pumping water, chemicals and sand at high pressure underground to fracture shale rock and release the gas trapped in it.

Friends of the Earth campaigner Furqan Naeem said: "People in Lancashire and across the UK who have been tirelessly campaigning against fracking will breathe a sigh of relief today - safe in the knowledge that this dirty industry that risks health, quality of life and the climate has been stopped in its tracks once again.

"In the teeth of massive pressure from Cuadrilla and Westminster, Lancashire's brave county councillors have voted to protect their citizens and the local environment - the winners today are democracy and the people of Lancashire.

"Both Cuadrilla and the Government must respect Lancashire's decision and not try to force unpopular fracking on these communities."

Cuadrilla said it was "surprised and disappointed."

Its statement added: "We remain committed to the responsible exploration of the huge quantity of natural gas locked up in the shale rock deep underneath Lancashire.

"We will now take time to consider our options regarding an appeal for Preston New Road, along with also considering appeals for the planning applications recently turned down, against officer advice, for monitoring and site restoration at Grange Hill, and last week's decision to refuse the Roseacre Wood application."