Cuadrilla ask for time to address fracking fears

BOSSES of energy firm Cuadrilla have asked Lancashire County Counil’s planners to delay a decision on it plans to frock for shale gas at two sites in the county.

Cuadrilla has written to the Council’s development control committee (DCC) over its bid to explore sites at Preston New Road, Little Plumpton and Roseacre Wood, so that concerns over noise and traffic can be be “mitigated”.

A statement from Cuadrilla said: “We have requested a deferral in the determination of our planning applications to allow for this consultation to take place.

“The planning officer recommendation to refuse planning permission for the Preston New Road exploration site was on the single ground of night-time noise levels at the nearest residential properties.

“For Roseacre Road, the officer recommended refusal on two grounds – noise and traffic. We not that the planning officer’s reports are satisfied with all other aspects of each of the two planning applications.”

Cuardilla indicated it would fight to get permission to frack and the latest move suggests that process is now starting.