Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road shale gas site, 28 November 2017. Photo: Ros Wills
Last updated 9/1/24
Key facts
Address: Plumpton Hall Farm, off Preston New Road, Little Plumpton
Planning applications: LCC/2014/0096 and LCC/2014/0097
Secretary of State’s report approving planning permission, including conditions
Operator: Cuadrilla Bowland Ltd
Licence: EXL 269 within PEDL165
Status: Two shale gas wells drilled; one well fracked; well test underway, fracking equipment taken offsite – currently mothballed
Timeline
7 December 2023
Deadline for first six-monthly report on restoration progress at Preston New Road.
12 September 2023
Revealed: timetable for plugging Cuadrilla’s fracked wells. DrillOrDrop report on timeline for decommissioning at Preston New Road.
9 August 2023
Breaking: Cuadrilla ordered to abandon Lancashire fracked wells. DrillOrDrop reports on instruction from the NSTA to decommission the Preston New Road shale gas wells. Reaction
7 June 2023
Breaking: Cuadrilla’s Lancashire fracking site gets more time. DrillOrDrop reports on planning permission from Lancashire County Council for two more years at the Preston New Road shale gas site.
31 May 2023
Planners back more time to restore Cuadrilla’s Lancashire fracking site. DrillOrDrop reports on a recommendation by planners to Lancashire County Council’s planning committee to approve two more years permission at the Preston New Road shale gas site.
11 February 2023
Local Conservative MP urges council to block Cuadrilla’s bid for more time at Preston New Road. DrillOrDrop report on comments by Fylde MP Mark Menzies.
7 February 2023
Cuadrilla bids to delay restoration of Preston New Road fracking site in Lancashire. DrillOrDrop looks at the published details of Cuadrilla’s request to extend planning permission by two years.
21 December 2023
Crane at Cuadrilla’s fracking site. DrillOrDrop reports a crane has been installed at Preston New Road. The company did not respond to our questions about what it was for and have not informed the community liaison group for the site.
1 December 2023
Cuadrilla seeks two more years at Preston New Road. DrillOrDrop reports the company has given formal notice that it intends to apply to extend the life of the shale gas site.
10 October 2022
Questions over local benefit from Cuadrilla’s fracking fund. Details
29 September 2022
Cuadrilla’s owner raises new funds for UK fracking. Details
30 August 2022
Cuadrilla’s owner spent $1m+ in UK in 2021 despite operations “on hold”. Details
28 July 2022
Council clears way for new application at Cuadrilla’s fracking site. Details
19 July 2022
Cuadrilla plans to extend life of fracking site at Preston New Road by two years. Details
5 July 2022
“largely non-operational” Cuadrilla profits from tax relief on Preston New Road. Details
16 June 2022
Spirit sticks with Cuadrilla in Lancashire after reversing decision to withdraw its financial stake in shale exploration in the county. Details
31 March 2022
Regulator withdraws order to abandon Cuadrilla’s shale gas sites in Lancashire. Details and reaction
16 March 2022
Regulator considers postponing abandonment of Cuadrilla’s fracked wells at Preston New Road. Details
9 March 2022
Ministers “still talking” about whether to abandon Cuadrilla’s fracked wells. Details
7 March 2022
Crane arrives to plug Cuadrilla’s fracked wells. Details
25 February 2022
Cuadrilla spent $0.9m in six months on fracking strategies and licence admin. Details
10 February 2022
Residents welcome plugging of Cuadrilla’s fracked wells. Details
9 February 2022
Cuadrilla announces it has been ordered to plug and abandon its two shale gas wells at Preston New Road. Details
26 March 2021
MPs quiz HSE over scrutiny of silica dust risk at Preston New Road. Details
Residents’ worries over silica regulation at Preston New Road. Details
1 March 2021
UK tax benefits boost finances of Cuadrilla’s Australian owner. Details
9 December 2020
Environment Agency announces that Cuadrilla has surrendered to drill, frack and flare at Preston New Road. Details
1 December 2020
Confirmation that Cuadrilla has left its headquarters in Lancashire and moved to serviced offices near Manchester Airport. Details
23 November 2020
“Largely non-operational” Cuadrilla Resources declares £38m loss. Details
2 November 2020
Industry evidence on earthquakes “insufficient” to lift year-long fracking moratorium – regulator. Details
“Time for fracking industry to move on”, say campaigners on moratorium anniversary. Details
27 October 2020
Methane release at Preston New Road equivalent to 142 trans-Atlantic flights, says study by researchers at Manchester University. Details
10 September 2020
Kerogen managing director joins Cuadrilla boards. Details
30 August 2020
Funding in Cuadrilla to be slashed, owner AJ Lucas predicts. Details
3 July 2020
Centrica pulls out of Cuadrilla’s shale gas licence. Details
24 June 2020
Fracking moratorium will be lifted – but not this year, says Cuadrilla’s owner. Details
18 June 2020
“Fracking is over”, says UK energy minister. Details
“Caravan of love” fracking trial dropped in public interest. Details
29 May 2020
Data reveals where people reported damage from 2019 fracking earthquake in Lancashire. Details
15 May 2020
Cuadrilla briefed shale gas commissioner for radio interview – deleted emails reveal. Details
13 May 2020
Cuadrilla predicts no fracking at Preston New Road in 2020 and looks to conventional prospects. Details
3 May 2020
Geological faults challenge fracking in the Fylde – new study. Details
27 March 2020
Government pays another £1.28m for policing costs at Cuadrilla’s fracking site. Details
26 March 2020
More equipment leaves Cuadrilla’s fracking site. Details
11 March 2020
Cuadrilla breaches pollution rules again. Details
9 February 2020
Cuadrilla’s injunction drops bar on key fracking protests. Details
4 February 2020
Australian mining group takes control of fracking firm, Cuadrilla. Details
23 January 2020
Campaigners fail in challenge to Cuadrilla’s fracking injunction. Details
19 December 2019
Cuadrilla to examine licences in preparation for exploration, says partner. Details
11 December 2019
AJ Lucas, Cuadrilla investor in Preston New Road, fails to meet fundraising target. Details
10 December 2019
Campaigners challenge contempt of court ruling over injunction at Cuadrilla’s fracking site. Details
3 December 2019
Key staff quit Cuadrilla as company scales down fracking site. Details
Update to community liaison group reports reduction in police numbers outside Preston New Road, plans to restore 50 mph speed limit, review of site of equipment, closure of site viewing area and dedicated phone inquiry number. Details
30 November 2019
Preston New Road gate camp monitoring activities at Cuadrilla’s fracking site. Photo: Gate Camp
Anti-fracking campaigners close round-the-clock Gate Camp outside the Preston New Road entrance. Details
Planning permission for drilling and fracking expires. Details
20 November 2019
Anti-fracking group condemns “aggressive eviction” of protest camp. Details
19 November 2019
Dawn eviction of New Hope anti-fracking camp near Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road shale gas site, 19 November 2019. Photo: Able Enforcements
Dawn eviction of anti-fracking camp near Cuadrilla’s shale gas site. Details
11 November 2019
More equipment leaves fracking site as Cuadrilla announces end of gas flow test. Details
7 November 2019
Lancashire tremors push fracking opposition to record high. Details
AJ Lucas raises funds for Preston New Road site and the prospect of 72 wells drilled from single pad. Details
4 November 2019
Fylde businessman to head legal action against Cuadrilla over fracking quake damage. Details
3 November 2019
Investor AJ Lucas backs Cuadrilla over fracking moratorium. Details
2 November 2019
Government orders immediate moratorium on fracking in England because of tremor risk. Details
28 October 2019
Cuadrilla to pay “few hundred pounds” for homes said to be damaged by fracking tremor. Details
Lancashire fracking support group to be wound down. Details
24 October 2019
Environment Agency varies permit to allow use of nitrogen lifting and venting of waste gases. Details
Residents “astounded” by decision which could lead to methane and benzene venting at fracking site. Details
15 October 2019
Under half arrests at Cuadrilla’s fracking site have led to convictions – new data. Details
14 October 2019
Fylde Council calls for immediate local ban on “unsafe” fracking. Details
6 October 2019
Last fracking-induced tremor from Preston New Road recorded by British Geological Survey. Details
2 October 2019
Equipment demobilised from Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road shale gas site, 2 October 2019. Photo: Ros Wills
Frack pumps leave Preston New Road as campaigners mark 1,000 days of protest. Details
30 September 2019
Cuadrilla confirms no more fracking will take place at Preston New Road before a planning deadline at the end of November. Details
26 September 2019
Cuadrilla sent office staff to check property damage from UK’s biggest fracking earth tremor. Details
18 September 2019
Government says fracking suspension at Preston New Road will continue during investigation into tremors. Details
12 September 2019
Cuadrilla fracked seven times before record-breaking tremor – official logs. Details
10 September 2019
Boat blocks fracking site in climate protest. Details
5 September 2019
Cuadrilla warned over three more permit breaches at Preston New Road. Details
3 September 2019
Judge dismisses campaigners’ bid to quash Cuadrilla injunction Details and imposes suspended jail sentences Details
2 September 2019
Tremors continue as data shows strongest seismicity followed Cuadrilla’s final frack. Details
31 August 2019
Businessman Mark Mills speaking outside Cuadrilla’s fracking site at Preston New Road near Blackpool. on 31 August 2019. Photo: Refracktion
Rally outside Preston New Road in protest a tremors. Businessman tells audience “if you support fracking, you’re complicit in earthquakes”. Cuadrilla says it’s “sorry for any concern”. Details
Residents demand answers on emergency planning at fracking site after recent tremors. Details
28 August 2019
Intensity of record-breaking fracking tremor upgrade – “many frightened” as residents report damage. Details
27 August 2019
Residents’ letter urges Cuadrilla to abandon fracking at Preston New Road. Details
26 August 2019
Relative size of earth tremors induced by fracking at Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road site, 15-29 August 2019. Chart: Refracktion
Anger as UK’s largest fracking tremor at 2.9ML shakes Lancashire. Details
Fracking suspended at Preston New Road. Details
“Cuadrilla should not be allowed to frack again after 2.9ML tremor”, say campaigners. Details
25 August 2019
2.1ML tremor – call for fracking ban after buildings and windows shaken. Details
24 August 2019
Tremors pause fracking again at Preston New Road. Details
Suspicion over fracking firm’s “secret deal” with geological agency. Details
21 August 2019
1.6ML earth tremor recorded at Preston New Road fracking site. Pumping paused for 18 hours. Details
Residents say they’re “living in fear”. Details
15 August 2019
Fracking resumes at Preston New Road. Details
First seismic event. Details
10 August 2019
Cuadrilla fails to fix well problem at Preston New Road, residents told. Details
5 August 2019
All consents in place to frack again in Lancashire, says Cuadrilla. Details
3 August 2019
Cuadrilla to seek another 18 months to drill and frack at Preston New Road. Details
30 July 2019
Regulator approves frack plan for second Lancashire shale gas well. Details
Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, outside Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road site, 30 July 2019. Photo: Refracktion
Labour leader joins Lancashire campaigners at Preston New Road to demand a ban on fracking. Details
25 July 2019
Cuadrilla profits fall in “relentless and exhilarating year”. Details
16 July 2019
Early morning return of fracking equipment prompts local complaints. Details
Cuadrilla seeks another rule change for fracking site. Details
14 July 2019
Community group challenges Cuadrilla’s view of geology at fracking site. Details
11 July 2019
Cuadrilla announces it is to frack second well. Details
EA grants permit changes. Details
10 July 2019
100th “women in white” gathering at fracking site. Details
9 July 2019
Water monitoring at fracking site missed key chemicals, says Environment Agency. Details
4 July 2019
Oil & Gas Authority releases Preston New Road fracking data. Details
2 July 2019
Cuadrilla says it is exploring use of shale gas to make hydrogen for heating. Details
28 June 2019
Anti-fracking protesters found in contempt of court but judge says they will not go to prison – sentencing delayed until September 2019. Details
25 June 2019
Christopher Wilson, Katrina Lawrie and Lee Walsh with supporters outside Manchester Civil Justice Centre on 25 June 2019. Photo: DrillOrDrop
Trial begins of protesters accused of contempt of court for breaching injunction at fracking site. Details
18 June 2019
Surface water from fracking site to go into nearby brook following permit change. Details
17 June 2019
Cuadrilla submits hydraulic fracturing plan for second well (PNR-2) – fracking tremors could reach 3.1ML but very unlikely, the company says. Details
24 May 2019
Environment Agency confirms that some flowback fluid from Preston New Road has been sent to a treatment centre in Leeds. Details
21 May 2019
Cuadrilla breached permit over venting unburned methane at Lancashire fracking site. Details
2 May 2019
No review of fracking tremor rules – minister. Details
30 April 2019
Cuadrilla dismantles noise barrier around the well head. Pictures
25 April 2019
Drone picture of Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road shale gas site, near Blackpool, 25 April 2019. Photo: Debs Jackson
Lancashire fracking site looks like an “abandoned ghost town”, says campaign group. Details
20 April 2019
Letter reveals Cuadrilla is running out of time to frack Blackpool wells. Details
17 April 2019
Equipment leaves Cuadrilla’s fracking site. Details
4 April 2019
Cuadrilla calls for new approach to fracking earthquake rules. Details
1 April 2019
Confidential records reveal limitations of Cuadrilla’s Lancashire fracking operation. Details
26 March 2019
Trial collapses against nine anti-fracking protesters in 60-hour lock-on outside Preston New Road. Details
14 March 2019
Technical terms in Preston New Road fracking consultation “misled the public” over harm from chemicals, industrial chemist complains. Details
11 March 2019
Cuadrilla confirms overnight convoy delivered equipment to prepare for fracking later in the year. Details
8 March 2019
Lorry surf protest outside Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road site.
Lorry protest outside Cuadrilla’s fracking site at Preston New Road, 8 March 2019. Photo: Ros Wills
1 March 2019
Data reveals Cuadrilla vented methane several times during well tests. Detail
24 February 2019
Cuadrilla announces technical director, Mark Lappin, is retiring. He is being replaced by Sau Wai Wong on 11 March 2019. Details
20 February 2019
Cuadrilla applies for more environmental permit changes – additional chemicals to improve fracking performance. Detail
10 February 2019
Geoscientists join call for review of fracking tremor rules – opponents say industry must prove it can frack safely. Details
7 February 2019
Earthquake fears push up opposition to fracking in government survey. Details
6 February 2019
Cuadrilla calls for urgent review of rules on fracking-induced earth tremors after revealing it fully fractured only 5% of PNR-1z. Details
31 January 2019
Flowback tanks removed from site. See Site photos
15 January 2019
Environment Agency information reveals that fracked levels at the site were so low that propane was needed to light the flare stack. Details
11 January 2019
High Court quashes Friends of the Earth challenge to fracking permit. Details
10 January 2019
Cuadrilla has less than a year to drill two shale wells and frack three under the terms of its planning permission. Details
Removal of the top of the coiled tubing tower at Preston New Road, 19 December 2018. Photo: Barbara Cookson
29 December 2018
Photos show top of the coiled tubing tower being removed from the Preston New Road site. Details
20 December 2018
Environment Agency update reports two more small permit breaches at Preston New Road. Details
18 December 2018
Cuadrilla says some equipment is being moved off Preston New Road but will return. Details
14 December 2018
Cuadrilla stops fracking after a 0.9ML earth tremor – seismic events at the site top 50. Details and DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
Lancashire County Council calls for government funding of anti-fracking protest policing at Preston New Road. Details
Lancashire shale gas supporters welcome vote on Conservative county council amended motion which “expresses appreciation for the highly detailed and professional monitoring of the exploration at Preston New Road”. Details
13 December 2018
Lancashire County Council told that 1.5ML tremor from fracking at Preston New Road felt “like a car hitting a building at speed” Details
Micro-seismic event at Preston New Road. DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
11 December 2018
1.5ML tremor recorded at Preston New Road – largest so far. Details and DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
10 December 2018
Cuadrilla resumes fracking – first seismic activity recorded for five weeks. Details and DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
29 November 2018
Environment Agency defends decision on fracking waste at Preston New Road during a judicial review at the High Court in London. Details
A J Lucas, one of two major investors in Cuadrilla, announces strategy to deal with earth tremors at Preston New Road. Details
28 November 2018
Regular protests pull out of police liaison meeting and accuse Lancashire Constabulary of “irreparably damaging” community relations. Details
19 November 2018
Neighbours of the Preston New Road site tell public health experts their well being has already been affected by the site. Details
The former energy secretary, Sir Ed Davey, urges the government not to relax the safety rules on fracking earth tremors. Details
15 November 2018
The shale gas commissioner, Natascha Engel, visits opponents of Cuadrilla’s fracking plans and is told Lancashire communities will never accept the process. Details
13 November 2018
A government-commissioned report likens the 1.1ML tremor to a bag of flour dropping on the floor. Details
6 November 2018
Lancashire MPs call for government action over fracking tremors. Details
4 November 2018
0.7ML tremor recorded. DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
2 November 2018
Cuadrilla announces first shale gas from Preston New Road. Details
Two micro-seismic events. DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
1 November 2018
Residents warn they will take legal action of the government relaxes fracking seismicity rules. Details
Micro-seismic event. DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
30 October 2018
Councillors and campaigners call on the government to halt fracking at Preston New Road following earth tremors of increasing strength. Details
Three micro-seismic events. DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
29 October 2018
1.1ML tremor stops fracking at Preston New Road. Details and DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
27 October 2018
Five tremors, including a 0.8ML trailing event. DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
26 October 2018
First red-level tremor – 0.8ML – at Preston New Road. Details and DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
25 October 2018
Amber-level tremor – 0.3ML – at Preston New Road. Details and DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
24 October 2018
Tremors at Preston New Road, including a 0.5ML and 0.4ML. Details and DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
23 October 2018
Amber-level tremor – 0.4ML – at Preston New Road. Details and DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
20 October 2018
Estimated crowd of 1,000 people gathers outside Preston New Road for climate rally. Details
One micro-seismic event. DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
19 October 2018
0.3ML tremor at Preston New Road. Details and DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
18 October 2018
Three micro-seismic events. DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
17 October 2018
Appeal court quashes “manifestly excessive” jail sentence on three campaigners who took part in lorry-surfing protest outside Preston New Road. Details
Environment Agency confirms that fracking took place. DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
16 October 2018
Vivienne Westwood joins Lancashire anti-fracking campaigners at Preston New Road. Details
Environment Agency confirms that fracking took place. DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
15 October 2018
Cuadrilla starts fracking at Preston New Road – the first high volume hydraulic fracture in the UK since 2011 and the first of a horizontal shale gas well. Protesters block the site entrance. Details and DrillOrDrop Tremor Tracker
13 October 2018
Storm Callum delays Cuadrilla’s first frack. Details
MP asks government to investigate judge who jailed anti-fracking protesters. Details
12 October 2018
Court clears the way for first frack for seven years – Cuadrilla says it starts tomorrow. Details
11 October 2018
Court ruling on Cuadrilla fracking injunction delayed. Details
5 October 2018
High Court grants temporary injunction against fracking at Preston New Road. Details
Cuadrilla announces that fracking on first horizontal well due to start in next week. Details
Campaigners jailed for their part in a protest at Preston New Road are to appeal against sentences. Details
4 October 2018
Campaigners seek emergency court injunction against fracking at Cuadrilla’s shale gas site. Details
1 October 2018
Cuadrilla publishes seismic data for fracking site. Details
26 September 2018
Three men jailed for 99-hour anti-fracking lorry protest outside Preston New Road. Details
24 September 2018
Oil and Gas Authority gives final approval for fracking at first horizontal shale gas well at Preston New Road. Details
Protesters “kettled” by police as overnight convoy of fracking equipment delivered to site. Details
19 September 2018
Cuadrilla announces it has permission from the Secretary of State to frack second shale gas well at Preston New Road. Details
14 September 2018
Lancashire Police announce it is using drones to film the area around Cuadrilla’s fracking site. Details
14 August 2018
Cuadrilla warned over another environmental breach at Preston New Road. Details
7 August 2018
Dame and a Baroness say they’re willing to break the injunction against protests. Details
4 August 2018
Cuadrilla applies for consent from the Secretary of State to frack its second shale gas well. Details
24 July 2018
Cuadrilla granted fracking consent for UK’s first horizontal shale gas well. Details
17 July 2018
Cuadrilla completes second shale gas well. Details
11 July 2018
Cuadrilla granted injunction on protests at Preston New Road until 2020. Details
28 June 2018
Mass protest rally at Preston New Road. Details
4 June 2018
Centrica payment puts Cuadrilla in profit in annual accounts. Details
1 June 2018
Judge grants temporary injunction against protests at Lancashire fracking site. Details
21 May 2018
Cuadrilla seeks to extend protest injunction at Preston New Road and applies for fracking consent. Details
3 May 2018
Friends of the Earth takes legal action against the Environment Agency over Preston New Road permit. Details
2 May 2018
Environment Agency confirms another rule change for Cuadrilla’s fracking site. Details
6 April 2018
Fire service ordered to release emergency planning information for Cuadrila’s fracking site. Details
26 January 2018
Closing date for comments on variation of permit condition on surface water disposal.
14 December 2017
Cuadrilla seeks another change to the environmental permit for Preston New Road – to allow discharge of surface water into Carr Bridge Brook. Details
Email used to support decision on night-time deliveries is revealed to be unauthorised by the ambulance service. Details
13 December 2017
Lancashire County Council allows night-time deliveries at Cuadrilla’s fracking site – residents say it’s a “dilution of conditions”. Details
12 December 2017
Permit change approved for Preston New Road shale gas site, despite fears of intensified fracking. Details
Environment Minister, in a written answer, says the Environment Agency has asked Cuadrilla to address management of surface water at Preston New Road as a matter of priority. Details
8 December 2017
Cuadrilla Q&A dismisses concerns about sour gas at Preston New Road. Details
7 December 2017
Cuadrilla announces plans for seismic surveys in field next to the Preston New Road site. Details
13 October 2017
Cuadrilla seeks permission for night deliveries at Lancashire fracking site
10 October 2017
Police drag 85-year-old activist, Anne Power, across Preston New Road. Details
6 October 2017
Cuadrilla hosts first fracking site online tour and Q&A. Details
29 September 2017
Businessman defies police warning with horn-honking convoy past Preston New Road site. Details
15 September 2017
Shadow chancellor promises support to protesters during visit to Preston New Road. Details
30-31 August 2017
Hearing at Court of Appeal in London for appeal against dismissal of statutory challenges made by Preston New Road Action Group and Gayzer Frackman. DrillOrDrop reports: Day 1 Preston New Road Action Group case; Day 1 Gayzer Frackman case; Day 2 Cases of Communities’ Secretary and Cuadrilla and summing up
29 August 2017
Three Green Party members from Lancaster take part in boat protest outside Preston New Road to draw attention to what they say are the climate risks of shale gas operations. DrillOrDrop report
26 August 2017
Lancashire Police announced there were 96 arrests at Preston New Road in July 2017. DrillOrDrop report
17 August 2017
Drilling begins and first well spudded. OGA public well search and DrillOrDrop report
1 August 2017
Breach of environmental permit condition at Preston New Road through the use of unauthorised skip. Details
28 July 2017
1,200+ people call for removal of rig from Cuadrilla’s fracking site following delivery outside permitted hours. Details
27 July 2017
Drilling rig arrives at 4.15am, in breach of planning conditions. Details
24 July 2017
North Wales police pull officers out of mutual aid agreement at Preston New Road. Details
12 July 2017
Bailiffs evict roadside camp and tower. Details
7 July 2017
Cuadrilla applies for a variation of its environmental permit prompting concerns about “intensified fracking”. Details
5 July 2017
Police investigate complaint of assault made by a protester against a security guard. Details
3 July 2017
Three women councillors join 13-person anti-fracking lock-on protest outside the site. Details
27 June 2017
Fylde residents urged to “stand up and show your disapproval” of shale gas plans for Preston New Road at a meeting attended by 450+ people in Lytham. Details
23 June 2017
Drone pictures (filmed on 22 June) raise concern over surface water on the site. Details
Date set for 30 and 31 August for hearing at the Court of Appeal of campaigners’ case against approval of permission for fracking at Preston New Road. Details
14 June 2017
Two breaches of environmental permit from surface water problems. Details
1 June 2017
Conductor rig installed to set conductor pipe – the first layer of well casing. Details
31 May 2017
Cuadrilla says work at Preston New Road boosted spending with Lancashire suppliers. Details
17 May 2017
Anti-fracking campaigners accuse police of “disproportionate and aggressive” tactics at Preston New Road. Details
26 April 2017
Cuadrilla publishes environmental data from shale gas site. Details
Preston New Road site, 17April 2017. Photo: Frack Free Creators: Knitting Nanas of Lancashire
13 April 2017
Cuadrilla announces viewing area for Preston New Road site. Opponents say it’s a PR stunt. Details
12 April 2017
High court judge dismisses challenge by Preston New Road Action Group and Gayzer Frackman. DrillOrDrop reports: Breaking news, Details and Reaction and What the judge said about the challenges
4 April 2017
Lancashire Police estimates policing operations at Preston New Road will cost an extra £450,000 a month. 35 people arrested at the site between 5 January and 5 March, all but seven resulting in charges. Details
16 March 2017
Day two of statutory challenge at Manchester High Court. DrillOrDrop report Government lawyers defend decision to give planning consent to Cuadrilla fracking plans
15 March 2017
Day one of statutory challenge at Manchester High Court by Preston New Road Action Group and Gayzer Frackiman against permission for drilling, fracking and testing granted by the Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid.
DrillOrDrop reports: Cuadrilla’s Lancs shale gas exploration plans were “production in disguise” – High Court told and Shale gas regulation is not “up to scratch” – High Court challenge to Lancs fracking consent
10 March 2017
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner writes to the Communities’ Secretary, Sajid Javid, asking him to pay for protest policing at Preston New Road. Details
9 March 2017
Eight people arrested after a lock-on outside the site and charged with failing to comply with a police direction on prohibited assembly. Details
8 March 2017
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner visits Preston New Road protest. Details Three people arrested during protests near the site. Details
6 March 2017
Judge at the High Court in Manchester grants Cuadrilla an injunction over the Preston New Road site but rejects the company’s proposal for a protest area. Details
Two councillors, injured during policing of protests, accuse officers of trying to provoke protesters. Details
2 March 2017
Cuadrilla breaches environment permit condition when surface water discharges into tributary of Carr Bridge Brook. Details
1 March 2017
Two people, including a Kirkham Town Council, injured during policing of protests outside the site. Both needed hospital treatment. Details Lancashire Police correct statement about the breach of the fence at Preston New Road. Details
Senior Lancashire councillors criticise Cuadrilla’s record on planning conditions at Preston New Road. Details
27 February 2017
Fylde Borough Councillor, Roger Lloyd, knocked to the floor during policing of protests outside the Preston New Road site. Details
Cuadrilla breaches environment permit condition when surface water discharges into tributary of Carr Bridge Brook. Details
25 February 2017
Organisers of an anti-fracking national day of action near the Preston New Road site estimate 1,000 people attended. Lancashire Police alleged around 150 people tried to enter the site. Details. The force later corrected this statement (see 1 March 2017)
20 February 2017
Eight-person lock-on protest
17 February 2017
Possession order served at protection camp at Dugdale Close, Blackpool
16 February 2017
Six people arrested under Section 14 of the Public Order Act following a lock-on protest. Another person was reported for summons
11 February 2017
Mid-March date expected for statutory challenges by Preston New Road Action Group and Geza Frackman to ministerial granting of Cuadrilla’s appeal against refusal of planning permission.
10 February 2017
31-year-old man from Blackpool, protesting outside the site, was arrested under Section 241 of the Trades Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act. Details
1 February 2017
Meet the Regulators event at Wrea Green to discuss regulation of Preston New Road. Details
31 January 2017
Four people arrested following a seven-hour lock-on protest outside the entrance to the Preston New Road site – later charged with failing to comply with a prohibited assembly police direction. Details
27 January 2017
Two women arrested outside Preston New Road. Details
26 January 2017
Lancashire County Council confirms some lorries visiting the site are now following the agreed traffic route in breach of planning conditions but no action will be taken. Details
Court papers reveal that statutory challenges will be heard in Manchester. Details
6 January 2017
Opponents begin protests outside the site, slow-walking in front of lorries. Details
5 January 2017
Cuadrilla begins work on surface construction work at Preston New Road. Details
2 December 2016
Anti-fracking campaigner, Gayzer Frackman, announces he is bringing a second challenge against the approval of planning permission at Preston New Road. Details
Cuadrilla announces first contract for Preston New Road site works to A E Yates, of Bolton, Gtr Manchester. Details
18 November 2016
Preston New Road Action Group announces it is bringing a statutory challenge against Sajid Javid’s decision to allow planning permission for fracking at Preston New Road. Details
8 October 2016
People opposed to fracking demonstrate outside the Preston New Road site to protest at the go-ahead for exploration. Details
6 October 2016
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid announces he has allowed Cuadrilla’s appeal against refusal of permission to frack at Preston New Road, following the recommendation of the inquiry inspector. He also accepts her recommendation to allow the appeal over the monitoring scheme. Decision and details
20 September 2016
Lancashire Nanas opposition group send a letter to the Queen in a final attempt to prevent fracking near Blackpool
19 September 2016
Gayzer Frackman begins to raise money for a legal challenge to any government approval of planning permission for fracking at Preston New Road. Details
14 July 2016
Sajid Javid replaces Greg Clark as Communities Secretary
5 July 2016
Planning inspector, Wendy McKay, confirms she has sent her recommendation to the Secretary of State, Greg Clark, on Cuadrilla’s appeal against refusal of permission to frack at Roseacre Wood and Preston New Road.
7 May 2016
Cuadrilla notifies Lancashire County Council that it plans to drill monitoring boreholes at Preston New Road.
4 April 2016
Public Inspectorate announces that Wendy McKay, the inspector at the Cuadrilla appeal, will submit her recommendation on or before 4 July 2016
16 March 2016
End of public inquiry into Cuadrilla’s appeal over refusal of plans to frack at Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood
24 February 2016
Site visits by planning inspector, Wendy McKay, as part of public inquiry
17 February 2016
First of four sessions at which members of the public gave evidence to the inquiry
9 February 2016
Opening day of public inquiry into Cuadrilla’s appeal over refusal of planning permission to frack at Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood and to carry out monitoring at Preston New Road. The inquiry also examined Cuadrilla’s appeal against conditions on monitoring around Roseacre Wood.
25 January 2016
Details of public inquiry released
26 November 2015
Greg Clark, Secretary of State of Communities and Local Government, announces he will recover Cuadrilla’s appeal and decide whether fracking should go ahead at Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood.
20 October 2015
Confirmation that the following will take part in public inquiry into Cuadrilla’s appeal: Cuadrilla, North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Preston New Road Action Group, Roseacre Awareness Group, Friends of the Earth and Roseacre and Wharles Parish Council.
11 September 2015
Cuadrilla appeals against refusal of planning permission
23 July 2015
Confirmation that Cuadrilla is to appeal against the refusal of permission by Lancashire County Council for fracking at Preston New Road
29 June 2015
Lancashire County Council refuses permission to Cuadrilla to frack at Preston New Road on noise and landscape grounds. Details
15 June 2015
The planning officer for Lancashire County Council recommends approval of Cuadrilla’s plan to frack at Preston New Road
23 April 2015
Lancashire County Council announces Cuadrilla’s fracking planning applications will be decided by 30 June 2015
14 April 2015
Cuadrilla announces acoustic barriers up go 14m high at proposed fracking sites at Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood
20 March 2015
New public consultation begins on extra information on Cuadrilla’s fracking applications at Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood
28 January 2015
Lancashire County Council’s development control committee defers a decision on Cuadrilla’s plans to frack at Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood
23 January 2015
Cuadrilla asks Lancashire County Council to defer a decision on the company’s plans to frack at Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood
21 January 2015
Planning officer at Lancashire County Council recommends refusal of permission to frack at Preston New Road on noise grounds
16 January 2015
Environment Agency grants permit for shale gas exploration and fracking at Preston New Road. Details
26 November 2014
New public consultation on extra information on Cuadrilla’s planning application for fracking at Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood
23 October 2014
Lancashire County Council says it needs more time to decide Cuadrilla’s plans to frack at Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood
12 June 2014
Lancashire County Council publishes Cuadrilla’s planning application for fracking at Preston New Road
4 February 2014
Cuadrilla announces plans for two fracking sites in the Fylde area of Lancashire
DRILL OR DROP? 