Decision on fracking at Lancashire sites is postponed

A decision to allow fracking at two controversial sites has been put on hold.

A demonstration against fracking in PrestonGETTY

The controversial process has been met with strong resistance by residents

Cuadrilla had applied to drill two wells in Lancashire.

Last week it asked Lancashire County Council to defer its decision in order for it to submit fresh information over noise and traffic concerns.

Amid heated demonstrations outside County Hall in Preston and a private session to take legal advice, councillors yesterday agreed to put back their ruling to a later date.

Planning officers had urged the council to kick out Cuadrilla’s requests to allow shale gas extraction at Little Plumpton and Roseacre Wood, due to the impact on residents.

But Ian Young, chief legal adviser to the council, said not to defer their decision would be unlawful and would have left them open to a legal challenge by the firm.

Friends of the Earth said: “We’re disappointed. Cuadrilla had months to present their case, which planning officers found to be unacceptable.”

A Cuadrilla spokesman said: “The additional information will, we believe, fully address the noise and traffic concerns.”

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