Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road shale gas, 27 July 2017. Photo: still from drone picture by Frack Free
Cuadrilla breached conditions of its planning permission when it brought the drilling rig into its site near Blackpool early this morning, according to Lancashire County Council.
The authority said it was writing to Cuadrilla and considering what action to take after the company announced today the drilling rig had arrived at its Preston New Road site.
The planning permission, granted in October 2016 by the Communities’ Secretary, Sajid Javid, included a condition which limited lorry movements to the period 7.30am-6pm Monday to Friday, except public holidays. (Link to decision document)
DrillOrDrop understands that sections of the drilling rig were brought onto the site in containers in a convoy at about 4.15am today. A small number of campaigners outside the site at the time reported they were surrounded by police and unable to prevent the delivery.
In a statement, Lancashire County Council said:
“We’re currently investigating the vehicle movements which we understand took place overnight and are in breach of planning permission.
“We are writing to the operator requiring them to put measures in place to prevent a recurrence, as well as considering what further action to take.”
Cuadrilla’s chief executive, Francis Egan, said:
“With the recently increased, aggressive protest activity outside our site in Lancashire, directed by London based Reclaim the Power, we decided, following consultation with the Lancashire Police, to take delivery of the rig in the early daylight hours of the morning.
“This was done to avoid yet another major road blockage by protestors with the attendant prolonged inconvenience to local road users and potential impacts on commuter and protestor safety.”
The company said it fully co-operated with the Council’s investigation.
Supt Richard Robertshaw, of Lancashire Police, said in a statement:
“As a result of Cuadrilla’s decision to carry out deliveries in the early hours of this morning, a policing operation was put in place to ensure safety and to minimise disruption to the local community, particularly given recent increased protestor activity at the Preston New Road site which is still on-going.
“A contraflow has been in place on the road for the past two days due to protestors climbing on top of seven trucks, four of which were moved on successfully during this morning’s operation. Police are still currently dealing with the other three.
“Our aim as always is to ensure is a consistent and coordinated policing response and ensure a balance between the rights of people to peacefully protest, together with the rights of the wider public, including local businesses, to go about their lawful activities.
“We aim to prevent, where possible, crime and disorder, but if it does occur we will provide an effective, lawful and proportionate response.”
An opponent of Cuadrilla’s activities said:
“We do feel that this will strengthen our fight because they have gone out of the permitted hours.”
See also reaction at the end of this post.
First UK horizontal shale gas wells
In a statement this morning, the company said the rig would be used on the first two horizontal shale gas wells to be drilled in the UK.
Mr Egan, said:
“We are very pleased to have taken delivery of the drilling rig to our shale gas exploration site.
“The drilling of the first horizontal exploration wells into UK shale rock will be an important milestone in unlocking a vital new source of natural gas for the country.
“With the decline of North Sea gas and our ever increasing reliance on gas imports, including shale gas imported from the US, developing an indigenous source of natural gas is critical for UK energy security, our economy, jobs and the environment.
“We are proud as a Lancashire company to be at the forefront of that effort.”
The company said it would begin drilling in August. The first borehole would be a pilot well to about 3,500 metres deep. Samples would be takenat various levels within the shale rock to decide where best to drill the horizontal wells.
The first two of four horizontal wells permitted at the site would then be drilled at depths of between 2,000m and 3,500m, the company said.
A spokesperson said:
“There is no precedent in the UK on how long the horizontal wells through the shale will take to drill however Cuadrilla currently estimates these will be completed before the end of 2017.”
Opponents of Cuadrilla’s activities said police escorted a large convoy into the Preston New Road site at about 4.15am today.
DrillOrDrop understands the rig was transported in sections in containers and will be constructed on site.
Cuadrilla’s original plan was for a 52m rig. But a condition of the planning permission, approved by Communities’ Secretary, Sajid Javid, in October 2016, was for a maximum height of 36m (more details).
Reaction
Frack Free Lancashire
““We understand that early this morning, Lancashire Police facilitated Cuadrilla bringing in a mass convoy of equipment onto the site at Preston New Road, under the cover of darkness and in direct contravention of the planning conditions.”
“We note that Mr Egan has claimed this week that his project is “progressing to plan”. However, even if Cuadrilla have managed to get their drilling rig onto the site it is hard to see how they will be able to start drilling in the second quarter of 2017 (as their web site still claims under latest news), unless they have managed to get a time machine onto the site at the same time.
“It is abundantly clear that community protest has had a major impact on Cuadrilla’s attempts at making progress at this site and it will continue to do so.
“As Cuadrilla’s work on this site intensifies and its predicted impacts start to be felt, our protest will continue, as is our legal right.”
Lancashire For Shale
“Lancashire For Shale congratulates Cuadrilla on achieving this significant milestone in the journey to deliver a new source of natural gas supply for the UK and to ensure that Lancashire in particular benefits from the resultant opportunities, jobs and investment.
“It is time now for the national protesters to accept that shale gas exploration is a reality and necessary for our country’s energy security. They need to move on from their unnecessary protests and lock-ons, which are achieving nothing, except causing dismay and disruption to the local population.”
Friends of the Earth
“We have repeatedly heard about this supposed shale gas revolution, but so far the fracking industry has only stalled while opposition has increased.
“Despite the best efforts of the industry to convince us otherwise, two thirds of people in Lancashire are still against fracking. We know that it’s too late for it to even be viable as a bridging technology, and it is deeply unpopular because it will be a bad deal for Lancashire.
“Friends of the Earth is standing with the people of Lancashire to oppose fracking and call instead for investment in the industries of future – technologies that will bring jobs – and meet the challenge of climate change.
“Democracy hasn’t counted for much in Lancashire and we won’t just lie down and be a test case for an industry that has been stopped around the UK and the world due to the risks. A piece of machinery may be on site but the only thing that’s changed is opposition will get stronger as the community vows to keep fighting.”
Greenpeace UK
Elisabeth Whitebread, energy campaigner, said:
“The arrival of a fracking drill in rural Lancashire marks a new stage in the industrialisation of our countryside for the shale gas we don’t need. In defiance of its promises on climate at the G20, and despite huge losses run up by the fracking industry to date, the UK is still doing all it can to push forward this unnecessary new fossil fuel industry.
“Lancashire said no to fracking, but the government overruled the democratic process and gave Cuadrilla the go ahead to frack for gas. The first drill may be going in, but the fracking firms know that their industry is on its last legs in the UK. The government should take a fresh look at this industry’s poor financial track record, listen to the public, stick to its international climate commitments and call an end to this dirty industry for good.”
Categories: Industry
DRILL OR DROP? 
Hooray. Hooray. Welcome to the drilling rig plus 100 more protesters. Hopefully Cuadrilla put in proper security so it wont get smashed by the mob again.
It wasn’t smashed by the mob in the first place. The news that it had been damaged was complete surprise to anti-shale gasfield campaigners.
Ah another conspiracy theorist that makes up baloney. I bets you are going to say Cuaudrilla either made up the story or instructed it to be smashed on their behalf then blamed it on the oh so innocent barmy brigade ? The thuggish behaviour of the anti protestors (not all but a fair good few) has been witnessed by everyone that has been watching progress, you will fail to win any argument it was not your side that damaged it.
No conspiracy theory here. We were genuinely surprised at the news, and it was news to us.
You will fail to win any argument that it was our side that damaged it.
As do you, unfortunately actions speak louder than words and despite your side constantly preaching that you are all about love and peace we have seen footage and photos that demonstrate the opposite. We all believe your side smashed the rig and unless you provide evidence to the contrary then nothing will change.
LocktheGate, this is typical anti-frack logic. “I do not know who smashed up the drill rig, therefore it could not have been an anti-frack protester.” As usual, your thought process is flawless.
What IS the plural of Peeny? I’ll just have to use GBK/Fib/Peeny as the only option I can think of sounds rude.
Until you can provide some evidence to support your claim that it was anti-frackers who did that damage you are howling at the moon – If it were it would be easy to tell – The CCTV footage must show something surely? There was security on that site wasn’t there? I mean they didn’t just leave the door open and the rig totally unguarded did they surely? There is something very iffy about this episode and you don’t need to be any kind of conspiraloon to see it.
Well, Refracktion, if there was such thing as a Conspiraloon, you would surely know!
I’d rather they not catch whoever beat up the drill rig because public opinion is left to imagine who it was, and I think we can all guess which way they will point their finger. BTW, where were you that night, Refracktion? ;o)
That drill rig is warming up now, baby! Let ‘er rip! Get outta the way Refracktospiracy!
I’m absolutely sure you wouldn’t want anyone to find out the truth behind this dodgy scenario Peeny.
The drill rig is indeed warming up as the sun is shining and it is lying there doing nothing.
LOL. Repeat after Refiction “They will not drill. They will not flow gas. They will not flow viable quantities of gas. I cannot lose. I cannot lose! I CANNOT lose!” LOL
Protesters must repeat these lines each day: “I am not worthless. We are winning the fight against frackers. It may look like society is against us, but that’s just a big conspiracy. This country can get its energy from used hamburger grease, solar panels, hugs and kisses, and hope. When times get tough and energy prices skyrocket then sing a song! We are winning. Ignore the drill. Find someone to give me money to fill up my car with petrol.”
Yipppeeee. So despite only having to contend with one exploration site the barmy brigade failed to prevent zilch. A few delays caused by illegal activity but asides from that they were pushed to the side and we prevailed.
Now let’s get on with ascertaining whether there is any gas. Yummy yummy.
I am glad it has arrived safely and will start work soon .
Oh my God! I can already see the devastated landscape Mike Hill predicts. Look at the size of those electricity pylons! And that tower in the distance. What a tourism destroyer.
Nick. Mike Hilk was right. Have you looked at the swampie camp and the sight just outside in front of the gate and Maple farm? What an eye sore.
Shouldn’t you be planning the domination of London with your cat Nick, or wouldn’t they let you have a licence?
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Let’s hope your still celebrating through the earth quakes and when the water is poisoned
Delayed by four months – Crudrilla expected to begin drilling in April.
It is a bit sad that Cuadrilla celebrate the arrival of the rig as if it is a significant milestone. Let wait and see how long it takes them to set up the rig and drill. They are already 4 months behind schedule. The conductor rig is still there so clearly they are being delayed.
TW of course they have been delayed, they have had to contend with a [edited by moderator] army [edited by moderator] using illegal ways of slowing progress from the outset. But keep in mind they have been able to put all their resources into one site and they have only caused a couple of months delay. No more rigs being smashed, no more lock-ons, 24hr police security. It has been a learning curve for the security and police. The antis have shown all their playing cards now though and they won’t be able to replicate it again.
There will soon be dozens of sites and the antis will be too thinly spread to cause us any major issues.
I must agree that you maybe right because once the drilling is underway it is pretty straight forward. Protesters wont delay much further and seem pointless really. Why not just let them get on with the jobs and save the police their times and the local the disruption. Once the well proven uneconomical they will be shut down and that’s the end of it.
This is all a lot of these protestors have in their lives, they have fallen out of a normal society and found refuge with likeminded others and formed a collective. I honestly think the majority don’t even know what they are protesting about but it’s a bit of fun and games for them, they don’t own houses or assets and therefore don’t have anything to lose. Head up to Faslane naval base and you will see a tiny little camp of caravans that have been there for over 20 years, they have achieved nothing but it’s a little sanctuary for them. I think the NIMBYs will start to head back to their houses now as they probably realise they cannot stop our progress although you will still have the likes of Hobbit etc moaning but I am starting to think this is from a financial POV. The Russians are pumping in money and resources into the whole of Europe to push their own energy agenda, this money is ending up funding many green activist sites. Hopefully that nonsense will be brought to an end when the US imposes sanctions on Russia which will halt the new Nordstream 2 pipeline.
Frackaholics anonymous? Yes, we have some urgent sad cases for you! What? Yes, I think the sleeveless coats would be advisable.
Actually I feel quite sorry for GBK/Fib/Peeny as it must be tough to know your plans will be thwarted because the police won’t be able to cope with even half a dozen middle aged , middle class, mild mannered protesters at each site, let alone the more hard line activists.
We are now nearly in August and Cuadrilla have got as far as February on their project plan. 😂 Delayed 5 months after 7 months? Their shareholders must be gong ballistic!
“Their shareholders must be gong ballistic!”
Sure Refiction, you’re not just saying that because you’ve lost the battle and the war, are you? Is that a big victory for you? A four month delay, or 7 month, or a year, or three years?
Then it must make you feel very poor indeed to understand that there are literally billions and billions waiting to be invested in UK onshore shale if it’s economic! What is a few years to patient money? Obviously nothing, because that money is still here waiting to be deployed.
Oh no Refiction! You’ve lost yet again!
You are almost funny today Peeny 🙂
Bringing the rig in at 4.15am! Now, that really is below the belt. Who would have thought Cuadrilla might work Aussie hours?
Not just US rig count rising. Seems the Times has something right, for a change.
Not Aussie hours Martin – hours outside agreed planning permission. Just one more breach to add to the growing tally I guess. What is interesting though is that this one was colluded with by the Police, which might prove to be a little awkward for Lancs Constabulary.
The thugs have forced another company to pull out of supplying the site causing more financial loss. Please logon to Bryan Thomas Cranes on FB and you will see all the names of the perpertrators posting 1 star reviews. Look at the profiles of these people and you will see a picture emerge!
“Forced” Peeny? Then why does their statement end “Thank you for your time, and we wish you luck in your fight” LOL
They were clearly not aware of where the plant would be used as they wrote:
“The majority of hires that are undertaken by mobile cranes in the UK are what we call “CPA Crane Only Hires”, whereby a customer simply rings up for a crane, provides an address (in this case we were requested to attend the stadium at AFC Fylde) and confirms that they are qualified to plan a crane operation. We have no knowledge of what the crane is required for, and in this case we were actually on hire to another crane hire company so could not know who the end user would be.”
However as soon as they found out they dropped the contract “understanding more the impacts and effects that this has on the local communities, the Management made the decision to have the crane removed from site” – so just-an ethical business really. Well done them.
And now Cuadrilla, who were chirping happily about sneaking their rig in now have not only to answer for yet another planning breach, but find a new crane to allow them to put their toy together. Funny eh?
bryn thomas weren’t told what the crane was going to be used for or even where it was going, as soon as they knew they made arrangements for it to be returned to them
[Edited by moderator] The ONLY reason they are returning it to site is due to the vile feedback and comments left on their social media. You have simply cost another company revenue which results in jobs. [Edited by moderator]
Correct – they will be blacklisted as unreliable by companies who use these large cranes. Nothing to lose for the antis as they have no need of cranes or anything else that is used for progress.