97%+ rejected government plans to fast-track fracking
The government has revealed there was overwhelming opposition to its plans – now shelved – to speed up development of the shale gas industry.
The government has revealed there was overwhelming opposition to its plans – now shelved – to speed up development of the shale gas industry.
Fracking companies can “railroad” through their interests because the Environment Agency has been “drained” of resources, a Labour energy spokesperson told delegates at the party’s conference.
MPs from both sides of parliament have called on the government to announce it has abandoned plans to relax the planning rules on shale gas schemes.
The Mayor of Malton, in North Yorkshire, has failed in his attempt to bring a legal challenge against the government over the definition of fracking. But he said he had won important concessions in his campaign to restrict the shale gas industry.
Opponents of government proposals to change the planning rules for shale gas developments have been taking part in protest events across England this week.
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.
The Mayor of Malton has started private legal proceedings against the government over its proposals to take decisions on shale gas away from local councillors.
As widely predicted, the government has announced measures to take decisions on fracking plans out of local authority hands. It will also consider ruling where companies appeal against a refusal of planning permission. A statement this morning by the Energy Secretary, Amber Rudd, and the Communities’ Secretary, Greg […]