The Government have approved fracking for shale gas at a site in Lancashire but have asked for more information from another site.

The government have approved the extraction of shale gas in a site near Blackpool however a drill application has been delayed at the Roseacre site nearby. The goverment have reportdly minded the approval of the roseacre site but desire more evidence.

A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said: "The Communities Secretary has today allowed three planning appeals related to two proposed shale gas exploration and monitoring sites in Lancashire.

"The decisions follow extensive consideration of all the evidence, including an independent planning inspector's report and evidence submitted during a two-week public inquiry."

The overall decision was made by communities secretary Sajid Javid, he has excercised new power that enables him to overturn decisions that are made by local councils. In 2015 planning was rejected by Lancashire country council to do fracking at the two sites on the basis that it would cause increased traffic and noise pollution. After this decision was made the power was then past of to Sajid Javid to decide if it could be changed. When this was announced environmental groups were in uproar as well as the communities in the surrounding areas.

"This is a sad day as it is clear to all that this government neither listens nor can it be trusted to do the right thing for local communities."

She said it was "deplorable" that an industry rejected by local councils on every level "has inflicted itself on Preston New Road".

Friends of the Earth north-west campaigner, Helen Rimmer, added: "This fight continues until this unproven and unpopular industry disappears for good." said Pat Davies, Chair of Preston New Road Action Group

In contrast Francis Egan, Chief Executive of Cuadrilla "It's a great result for the people of Lancashire and also a great result for the whole country because of the energy security that we can now start to explore, and replace some of the gas that we are importing at great expense to this country."

Barbara Richardson, of the Roseacre Awareness Group, said: "While we are happy that there will be no fracking in Roseacre, our joy is obviously tempered by the decision to allow fracking to go ahead elsewhere in Lancashire. We will do what we can to support our friends at Preston New Road in their continuing fight."

Author: Lauren Angell, Events Manger

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