A controversial law to increase police powers to control protests was included in the Queen’s Speech this morning. The speech also included other already-announced plans for new environmental targets, an overhaul of the planning system and changes to the way public decisions could be challenged in court.
Proposals to test the Balcombe oil well in West Sussex would compromise the protected landscape of the High Weald, council planners said today.
A government fund to help English councils deal with shale gas planning applications appears to have paid out just 20% of what was available.
The safety regulator for the nuclear industry has no information about the risk of earth tremors from fracking near the Hinkley Point power station, a campaign group has revealed.
Angus Energy is seeking the go-ahead for an extended well test at its Balcombe site in West Sussex.
Campaigner Ben Dean argues in this guest post that the single word temporary has cleared the way for oil and gas development in rural areas.
This post is tracking politician comments, council votes and petition signatures on government proposals to change the planning rules for shale gas developments in England.
Fracking Week in Parliament The government has not estimated the potential effect on employment of shale gas, according to the Energy Minister, Claire Perry. Nor has it assessed the likely volume of flowback waste.
Councils dealing with planning applications for shale gas developments were invited today to bid for a share of £1.2m.
There are two more days left to comment on future planning policy for oil and gas exploration and production in West Sussex and the South Downs National Park.
