Government faces second legal challenge over new planning rules on fracking
A second environmental group is taking legal action against the government over its new planning policy on fracking and onshore oil and gas.
Government shale gas planning changes a “sad blow to public engagement” – Conservative council leader
The leader of Conservative-controlled Derbyshire County Council has said government plans designed to fast-track shale gas will cut local authorities out of decisions with the biggest impact on communities.
Most Tory councillors oppose government changes to shale gas planning rules – survey
A survey out today has found that 80% of Conservative councillors in areas where fracking companies have a licence to explore for shale gas believe that planning applications should be required before drilling.
Guest post: Government recruits fracking commissioner to “facilitate communication” with residents
By Chloe Farand, DeSmog UK. The UK government is recruiting a shale gas commissioner to “facilitate communication” with residents and promote what is sees as the benefits of a new fossil fuel industry. The position was announced days before the government gave the go-ahead for fracking to start in Lancashire.
Government presses ahead with planning policy changes on oil and gas – despite “limited support”
The government has made changes to national planning policy on onshore oil and gas even though most of the people who took part in a consultation disagreed with them.
Ineos to submit new shale gas application at Woodsetts
Ineos has announced it plans to submit a new application for shale gas exploration in the South Yorkshire village of Woodsetts.
Live news updates: Lincolnshire councillors unanimously back oil drilling plans for N Kelsey and Biscathorpe
Live updates from the meeting of Lincolnshire County Council discussing Egdon Resources’ planning applications to drill and test oil wells at North Kelsey and Biscathorpe. Planning officers have recommended the go-ahead for both schemes. Previous planning permissions for both sites have expired. The only work carried out was the […]
Weekend long read: Is the planning system playing fair with local communities?
DrillOrDrop has reported from two shale gas public inquiries this month. Ruth Hayhurst reflects on the challenges facing local people when they take on the industry.
Live news updates: Day 2 INEOS Harthill shale gas inquiry – ecology and councillors’ statements
The inquiry into plans by INEOS to drill for shale gas at Harthill in south Yorkshire reaches its second day.
Oil production resumes at Lidsey and Brockham, says Angus Energy
Angus Energy announced this morning it was producing more than 200 barrels of oil a day, mainly from its site at Lidsey in West Sussex.
DRILL OR DROP? 