Frack Off!

County councillors have rejected Cuadrilla plans to frack for shale gas in Lancashire.

19:08 30 June 2015

Cuadrilla’s plan to frack for shale gas in Lancashire has been rejected by county councillors. 

 

The company had been seeking permission for exploratory drilling and fracking in Little Plumpton, between Preston and Blackpool. Despite being recommended for approval by the planners, the member of Lancashire County Council voted to reject the application saying it could cause noise pollution and an unacceptable impact on the landscape. 

 

Meanwhile, members of the public, particularly residents living near the proposed site, applauded the committee’s decision. 

 

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."