Councillors REJECT plans to frack for shale gas in Lancashire in huge victory for critics of the new technology 

• Energy firm Cuadrilla wanted to frack for shale gas at Little Plumpton 
• But Lancashire County Council reject a planning application for fracking
• Environmental campaigners cheered when hearing the council's decision 
• But Cuadrilla say they are considering launching a planning appeal  

Councillors have rejected plans to frack for shale gas in Lancashire in a huge victory for environmental campaigners and a massive setback for the future of the industry in the UK. 

Energy firm Cuadrilla wanted to start exploratory drilling and fracking at a site in Little Plumpton, between Preston and Blackpool.

But today Lancashire County Council chose to ignore advice to approve the plans, which was welcomed by jubilant anti-fracking campaigners outside the building and from local residents who said they had been in 'a David and Goliath battle'. 

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Anti-fracking protesters celebrate after hearing Lancashire County Council has rejected plans for fracking in Preston 

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Environmental campaigners and local opponents of fracking had been protesting outside County Hall in Preston, calling for councillors to reject the proposals

The Government has previously said it is going 'all out for shale', claiming it would create jobs and growth, reduce energy prices and cut the country's reliance on gas imports. 

But the decision comes just days after another proposal to frack for shale gas in nearby Roseacre Wood in Preston was also rejected by the local authority. 

Following the decision, Cuadrilla say they are considering their options, including launching an appeal with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Greg Clark, which can take up to six months.  

Environmental campaigners and local opponents of fracking had been protesting outside County Hall in Preston, calling for councillors to reject the proposals.

They had raised fears that the process could pollute water supplies, lead to inappropriate development in the countryside and damage house prices.

There were also fears that drilling caused a series of earth tremors in April and May of 2011 along the Flyde coast.

But they reacted with delight as the decision filtered to them outside County Hall.

Bottles of champagne were uncorked as chants of 'Frack Free Lancashire' sounded out, while one protester shouted: 'Frack off Cuadrilla.'

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The decision has been described as a major blow to Cuadrilla, as it would have been the largest round of fracking in the UK if it went ahead 

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Friends of the Earth said people across Lancashire could breathe a sigh of relief after the plans were dismissed 

Friends of the Earth North West campaigner Furqan Naeem said: 'People in Lancashire and across the UK who have been tirelessly campaigning against fracking will breathe a sigh of relief today - safe in the knowledge that this dirty industry that risks health, quality of life and the climate has been stopped in its tracks once again.

'In the teeth of massive pressure from Cuadrilla and Westminster, Lancashire's brave county councillors have voted to protect their citizens and the local environment - the winners today are democracy and the people of Lancashire.'

While Greenpeace UK energy and climate campaigner Daisy Sands added: 'This decision is a Waterloo for the fracking industry and a triumph for local democracy. It's also a huge boost for efforts to kick the UK's addiction to dangerous fossil fuels.

'Lancashire councillors deserve huge praise for standing up to the relentless pressure from the fracking lobby and their minister friends. Their decision sends a powerful signal to other councils that the fracking juggernaut can indeed be stopped.'

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One campaigner opened a bottle of champagne in celebration after hearing that plans for fracking in Preston had been rejected

Peter Watson, who lives within 100 metres (328 feet) of the proposed site, added: 'It has restored my faith in the democratic process. It is not the most efficient process in the world but it has worked.

'I think the shows the whole country and the senior politicians there is no social licence for fracking. It has been a real David and Goliath battle and thank God we have won.

'We came to live in the Fylde for the fresh air and the countryside. We set up business here. We can stay here now.'  

Cuadrilla had wanted to frack and test the flow of gas at the site following drilling at up to four exploration wells. 

The decision was deferred from last week as councillors wanted to review the council's legal advice which warned that rejecting the application because of its visual and landscape impacts would be 'unreasonable' in planning terms.

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Mechanical equipment and workmen is seen on the site at Little Plumpton, where Lancashire County Council have rejected proposals for fracking 

Members previously said they have been under 'intolerable pressure' in having the final say over the controversial process of releasing gas. 

Before the decision was taken, councillor Paul Hayhurst (Independent) told the committee: 'We are looking at an application which is probably best for Cuadrilla but worse for our residents.

'I am not against fracking as such but I do feel this is in the wrong place. There is an industrial estate only a mile away from Little Plumpton and to put it here would not have a visual impact.

'We have a situation where residents want to sell up and move out, many who moved there because of ill health. They now cannot get out because of a crash in house prices. I think that is terrible. No-one is providing them with compensation.

'This could be placed in a better position. Let's have good planning, let's not just go for what Cuadrilla wants because it is the cheapest option. Let's set the precedent of putting these rigs, if we have to have them, somewhere where it does not affect residents.'

Councillor Michael Green (Conservative) said he too did not hold a principle for or against fracking but said he did have concerns about the application's visual impact on the landscape.

While councillor Marcus Johnstone (Labour) cautioned against the consequences a successful appeal to the decision would bring.

He said: 'I think there is a threat of costs. I accept that costs are not a material consideration for this committee but they are a reality.'

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Energy firm Cuadrilla wanted to start exploratory drilling and fracking at the site, pictured, between Preston and Blackpool 

Cuadrilla said in a statement: 'We are surprised and disappointed that Lancashire County Council's Development Control Committee has denied planning consent for our application to explore for shale gas at Preston New Road, particularly as their decision follows a positive recommendation by the Council's Planning Officers.

'We remain committed to the responsible exploration of the huge quantity of natural gas locked up in the shale rock deep underneath Lancashire. 

'We will now take time to consider our options regarding an appeal for Preston New Road, along with also considering appeals for the planning applications recently turned down, against Officer advice, for monitoring and site restoration at Grange Hill, and last week's decision to refuse the Roseacre Wood application. 

'We can unlock this shale gas potential it will help create jobs, generate economic growth, help fuel and heat local businesses and homes and boost local tax revenues for Lancashire. 

'It is regrettable that the County Council has decided not to support this application in the face of positive recommendation from all regulators and their own officers.' 

Hydraulic fracturing - or fracking - involves pumping water, chemicals and sand at high pressure underground to fracture shale rock and release the gas trapped in it.

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A map showing the two sites, where Cuadrilla have had proposals for fracking rejected by the local authority 

Asked for the Prime Minister's response to the fracking decision, David Cameron's official spokeswoman said:'We respect the planning process. The Government has been clear that we think shale has got huge potential and presents us with an opportunity to develop a new energy resource and create jobs.

'We will continue to look at how we can develop this industry in the UK.' 

Other organisations also expressed their disappointment at the decision.

Dr Adam Marshall, Executive Director for Policy and External Affairs for the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 'We hope this perverse decision is overturned on appeal, and that further delays are minimised.

'The Government now needs to step in - both to look at the long-term energy security and economic considerations, and to act in the national interest. It should also make sure that there is generous compensation in place for those affected by crucial energy projects, so that they are not mired in compensation disputes.'

North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Babs Murphy said: 'Although it is disappointing that councillors have gone against the recommendation of planning officers, we hope this is not the death knell for this industry in Lancashire.

'In turning down this proposal, councillors appear to have ruled with their hearts, rather than their heads, and ignored the reasoned arguments of those with genuine expertise in this industry.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3143064/Councillors-REJECT-plans-frack-shale-gas-Lancashire-huge-victory-critics-new-technology.html#ixzz3eU21WXrq

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