Cuadrilla Resources has announced two new fracking sites near Blackpool: Roseacre Wood and Preston New Road near Little Plumpton.

In a statement issued today (4/2/14), the company said it will apply for planning permission to drill, hydraulically fracture and test the flow of gas from up to four exploration wells on each site. The consultancy Arup, which work on Cuadrilla’s latest application at Balcombe, will produce Environmental Impact Assessments for each site.

The statement said Cuadrilla  had begun consulting residents and community representatives living near to the two new sites. The company said it was committed to an “extensive programme of public consultation”.

Francis Egan, Cuadrilla’s chief executive, said it had decided to focuss on two sites.   “This will allow us to reduce the potential impact on the local area during exploration while still gathering the important information we need to determine how much gas could be recovered. We’re committed to being a good neighbour and to talking with the community at every stage of the process.”

Cuadrilla said it had decided not to apply for permission to carry out hydraulic fracturing at its Grange Hill site. The well there would be used to monitor seismic activity at the new sites.