Cheshire West prepares for fracking with cross-party group

CHESHIRE West and Chester Council is to set up a cross-party working group to examine unconventional gas and oil techniques, principally fracking.

The authority hopes the knowledge gained from the exercise will inform the planning committee when it is considering fracking-related applications.

Fracking – short for hydraulic fracturing – allows energy companies to access difficult-to-reach oil and gas by forcing open small cracks in the shale bed.

The process is controversial with environmentalist who argue it can cause air and water pollution. Nonetheless, the UK Government has thrown its weight behind the industry promising jobs, private investment and greater energy security.

Permission for exploratory drilling for coal-bed methane has been granted to Australian firm Dart Energy at sites in Dutton’s Lane, Upton Heath; and Kingsmarsh, Farndon; but no application for extraction has been submitted. The extraction of coal bed methane does not involve fracking but its presence usually indicates gas in the deeper shale rock. Another company, IGas, has moved on from coal bed methane to look at shale gas potential at North West sites.

Cllr Justin Madders told a meeting of the executive last week: “It is right that we are reflecting public anxiety over this issue, and that we are seen as an honest broker who is prepared to examine things on the facts. It is important that any planning applications are not dealt with under delegated powers. They must be seen to be dealt with by the planning committee in an open and transparent way.

“We must gather expert evidence on both sides of the debate and have an open and transparent process which the public can contribute to, so we can come to an informed decision.”

Cllr Mark Williams, who will chair the seven-strong group, said: “I must stress that everyone who is a member of this important all party working group will be starting from a clean slate – they will need to understand the processes and technical aspects as well as carefully considering and questioning the evidence -based arguments both for and against unconventional gas and oil processes.

“I intend to ensure that – over the coming months – both sides of the argument get a full and fair hearing so that we can ensure that we can come to a balanced view.”