A motion to refuse Cuadrilla’s plans to frack at Preston New Road has failed.

The vote was tied seven in favour and seven against with one abstention. But the development control committee chair, Munsif Dad, using his casting vote to defeat a motion to reject the application.

This followed an hour-long meeting with legal officers. Some councillors have asked that advice from officers to be made public.

A second vote was passed to defer discussion on the application until more advice has been taken on planning policy. The legal discussion is also to be made public.

The meeting will adjourn until 4.30pm

More details soon.