24th Jun 2015 16:11
LONDON (Alliance News) - A decision on the controversial application by Cuadrilla Resources to frack a site in Lancashire has been deferred to next Monday at 1000 BST after an agreement was not reached Wednesday, despite a long day of proceedings.
Earlier in the day the vote to refuse Cuadrilla was defeated, although seven councillors voted in favour of the refusal and seven against it with one abstention, as the chairman Munsif Dad voted against the refusal with the casting vote. The proceedings were then adjourned again, as the councillors had received legal advice in private that they then proposed to make public.
Cuadrilla is at the forefront of the fracking argument in the UK after it submitted two applications to frack sites between Preston and Blackpool. Planning officers had recommended that application should have been approved.
However, that decision is for whether or not Cuadrilla can drill, frack and test the flow of gas. Another permit would be needed to commence full fracking operations.
It is the first time fracking has been recommended for approval in the UK since a ban on the practice was imposed in 2011, when Cuadrilla allegedly caused tremors fracking near Blackpool.
The decision regarding the Roseacre Wood site will be made on Friday, with the hearing starting Thursday. Planning officers have recommended that this application is rejected on the grounds of traffic issues.
Concerns that were raised about the applications included the effect on the environment, traffic, house prices, the visual impact, local health, water pollution and the impact it would have on energy prices in the UK, as protesters both for and against clashed outside council buildings.
Earlier this week, the North West Task Force, an "independent" organisation which looks at extracting natural gas in Lancashire said a rejection would send the message that the UK "was not open for business and investment". Although the Force is independent, Cuadrilla is one of its members.
For AIM-listed companies, IGas PLC is currently working on a five-year plan to develop shale gas sites in the North West and East Midlands, just south of Cuadrilla's sites, alongside major international partners Total, GDF Suez and INEOS.
IGas shares closed down 1.6% at 31.00 pence Wednesday.
By Joshua Warner; [email protected]; @JoshAlliance
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