Shale Shock
This is the stuff of a Whitehall Farce.
Lancashire
Campaigners criticise government over process at fracking site
Campaigners have criticised the Government for failing to consider measures which they claim could reduce the environmental impact of fracking at Cuadrilla's controversial Preston New Road site.
Work halted at fracking site after another ‘micro-seismic event’
Work has once again been halted at Cuadrilla’s fracking site in Lancashire after the fourth “micro-seismic event” in the last week.
Fracking campaigners must wait for court ruling as judges reserve decision
Campaigners fighting to overturn a Government decision to approve a fracking site in Lancashire face a wait to see if they have won the latest round of their legal battle.
Anti-fracking campaigners to find out result of high court action
Campaigners fighting a Government decision to give the go-ahead for a fracking site in Lancashire find out the result of their High Court action today.
Celebrities pen open letter against fracking
Celebrities including Colin Firth and Mark Ruffalo have penned an open letter to UK Prime Minister David Cameron calling on him to stop fracking in communities that have already voted against it.
Cuadrilla appeal against Lancashire fracking applications begins
An appeal by energy firm Cuadrilla has begun as it seeks to gain permission for fracking at two sites in Lancashire.
Cuadrilla five-week public inquiry to begin into Lancashire licences
A public hearing is expected to begin tomorrow examining two applications by Caudrilla Resources to drill as many as eight exploratory wells in the Bowland shale formation.
Protesters back call for shale gas in Lancashire
A protest in support of shale gas extraction has been held in Blackpool by campaigners. The move has been made in an attempt to highlight industry in Lancashire, after the county council refused planning permission for test fracking at a site in the region.
Cuadrilla to appeal fracking rejection
Cuadrilla said it plans to appeal a decision by Lancashire County Council to refuse planning consent for two licences for temporary shale gas exploration sites. The energy firm had wanted to frack and test the flow of gas following drilling at up to four exploration wells at a proposed site between Preston and Blackpool. Prior to last month's decision planning officials at Lancashire County Council recommended its approval, subject to a number of conditions being met, but councillors chose to ignore the advice and rejected it due to adverse impacts on landscape and noise.
Cuadrilla fracking decision expected today
Councillors are finally expected to rule today whether fracking can go ahead in Lancashire. Energy firm Cuadrilla wants to explore for shale gas by drilling, hydraulically fracking and testing the flow of gas at site near Little Plumpton between Preston and Blackpool. Planning officers have recommended the plans should be passed subject to a number of conditions being met such as controlling time limits, hours of working, control of noise and highway matters.
Cuadrilla frack refusal unreasonable says lawyer
Rejecting an application for fracking because of its visual and landscape impacts would be “unreasonable” in planning terms, councillors have been advised. A decision on energy firm Cuadrilla’s bid to explore for shale gas at a site between Preston and Blackpool was deferred yesterday until Monday to consider legal advice in writing. Councillors were previously given verbal legal advice over a motion to refuse the scheme because it did not meet the county’s minerals and waste local plan.
Cuadrilla decision puts ‘intolerable pressure’ on members
Councillors have been under “intolerable pressure” to decide whether fracking for shale gas can go ahead in Lancashire, a public meeting has heard. The 15 members of Lancashire County Council’s development control committee are debating the proposals by energy firm Cuadrilla ahead of making an expected final decision today. 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.
Video: Cuadrilla fracking protesters rally ahead of decision
Cuardrilla fracking protesters have taken to the streets ahead of today's council decision. Fashion designer and personality Vivienne Westwood is among those expected to attend a rally outside Lancashire County Hall in Preston.
Cuadrilla decision due today
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.
Councillors told ‘be brave’ ahead of Cuadrilla fracking decision
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.
Campaign warns over Cuadrilla fracking snub
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.
Decision on Cuadrilla fracking bid deferred for two months
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.