Cuadrilla to appeal UK council’s anti-fracking decision

The company wanted to extract shale gas at Little Plumpton and Roseacre Wood on the Fylde Coast.

Shale gas explorer Cuadrilla is to appeal Lancashire County Council’s rejection of its application to frack wells at two sites.

Fracking firm Cuadrilla will appeal two planning decisions which refused permission for shale gas exploration in Lancashire.

Appeals to planning decisions are typically dealt with by Britain’s planning inspectorate on behalf of the government.

Cuadrilla faced fierce local opposition to its plans and chief executive Francis Egan said he understood why some people might not want it to appeal. The Roseacre Wood site was recommended for refusal due to traffic implications and Cuadrilla has claimed it will review these in its appeal. If the exploration goes ahead, it will be the biggest round of fracking in the UK to date. This is a natural step in the democratic process for deciding any planning application.

Protesters were delighted – but fully expected Cuadrilla to appeal the decisions.

Britain’s government is supportive of shale gas development, counting on the unconventional gas resources to help offset a decline in North Sea gas production.

“An appeal will put further pressure on residents who have been fighting to keep their community free from this filthy industry for four years now”.

“David Cameron must stick to his commitment that fracking decisions belong with local councils and not allow Lancashire’s decisions to be overturned”.