Thursday 23 July 2015
Cuadrilla to appeal against Lancashire fracking rejections
Cuadrilla plans to appeal against Lancashire County Council’s decision to refuse planning consent for fracking.
It wanted to drill, hydraulically fracture and test the flow of gas from up to four exploration wells at two sites – Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood.
However, the council’s Development Control Committee rejected both applications last month, citing concerns over traffic, visual impact and noise.
That was despite planning officers recommending approval of the Preston New Road exploration site.
Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla said: “We recognise that onshore shale gas exploration still feels relatively new in the UK and we remain committed to engaging with local communities to reassure them that exploratory operations can and will be carried out safely and in an environmentally responsible way.
"I am confident we will demonstrate to Lancashire and the UK that shale gas exploration and fracking is not only safe but represents a very real opportunity to create jobs, fuel businesses, heat UK homes and stimulate significant local economic growth.”
The company added the monitoring works appeal will be submitted within the next week while the shale gas exploration site appeal will follow in due course.
Ken Cronin, Chief Executive of UK Onshore Oil and Gas welcomed the decision, adding the appeals "are a normal part of the planning process in the UK".
Friends of the Earth however said it is a "blatant disregard for the views of local people and local democracy".
North West campaigner Furqan Naeem added: "Lancashire councillors and residents have rejected fracking and the government's recent report revealing potential negative impacts on everything from the health of residents to house prices and climate change shows they were right to do so.
"An appeal will put further pressure on residents who have been fighting to keep their community free from this filthy industry for four years now. David Cameron must stick to his commitment that fracking decisions belong with local councils and not allow Lancashire's decisions to be overturned."
CEO of Breitling Energy Chris Faulkner will be speaking about fracking at Energy Live Online.
