uncillors will decide today on whether to give the green light to fracking for shale gas in Lancashire. Energy firm Cuadrilla wants to develop two new sites between Preston and Blackpool to explore for shale gas by drilling, fracking and testing the flow of gas.
Residents living near a proposed fracking site have urged councillors to “be brave” and refuse to give it the go-ahead. Energy firm Cuadrilla wants to develop two new sites between Preston and Blackpool to explore for shale gas by drilling, fracking and testing the flow of gas. A report from Lancashire County Council planning officials recommended that one of the sites - at Preston New Road near Little Plumpton - be passed subject to a number of conditions being met such as hours of working, control of noise and highway matters.
Councillors will meet today to discuss plans to frack for shale gas. Energy firm Cuadrilla wants to develop two new sites between Preston and Blackpool to explore for shale gas by drilling, fracking and testing the flow of gas. A report from Lancashire County Council planning officials recommended that one of the sites - at Preston New Road near Little Plumpton - be passed subject to a number of conditions being met such as hours of working, control of noise and highway matters.
Rejecting plans for test fracking in Lancashire would send a message that the county was not open for business and investment, a campaign group has warned. Members of the North West Energy Task Force said it would be a missed opportunity to create jobs and “significantly” boost the local economy. The coalition, which includes local businesses, academics, farmers and students, spoke out on the eve of the beginning of the decision-making process on proposals by shale company Cuadrilla for two sites between Preston and Blackpool.
The leader of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Imeche) has said more needs to be done to bridge fracking relationships. Dr Jenifer Baxter, head of energy and environment at the institution, made the call after councillors in Lancashire recommended exploration at Cuadrilla, but held off on a final decision.
Cuadrilla Resources has appointed a new board member to replace former BP chief executive Lord Browne. Roy Franklin will take up the post with immediate effect.
Lancashire County Council has deferred a decision on an application to explore for shale gas for a further eight weeks. Councillors met today, a week after planning officers recommended the sites be refused planning permission due to noise and traffic.