Decision expected on Lancs fracking

A DECISION on whether the first fracking operation in the UK for four years will allowd to go ahead will be decided.

Energy firm Cuadrilla wants to extract shale gas at Preston New Road, Little Plumpton, on the Fylde Coast in Lancashire, and the matter was debated at length at a Lancashire County Council meeting on Tuesday.

Cuadrilla wants to drill at two sites in the county, but planning chiefs said the site at Roseacre Wood should not be approved on the grounds that too much disruption would be cause to the local area. Councillors are due to make a decision about the Little Plumpton site, which has been recommended for approval.

The site’s approval is subject to working hours, noise control and highway matters.

Protests were held outside the hearing at Lancashire County Council’s County Hall in Preston.

Fracking – or hydraulic fracturing – is a technique in which water and chemicals are pumped into shale rock at high pressure to extract gas. It is seen by some experts and business leaders as an essential part of the country’s future energy mix.

The Government believes shale gas extraction could create thousands of jobs, bring lower energy prices, and reduce Britain’s reliance on imported gas.

According to council planning officials 18,126 representations had been received opposing the Preston New Road application, with 217 in favour.

Environmentalists claim fracking can cause pollution and health problems.

Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood joined the protest in Lancashire, and told Sky News: “I hope that the urgency of the danger we’re in will get through to people, because we need to save ourselves. We’re heading for a disaster.

“Fracking is already causing so much damage in America. It’s not a success, and it’s causing health problems.”