English councils get powers for “virtual” planning meetings
Local authorities in England have been given new powers from tomorrow to hold meetings, including planning committees, by video or telephone conferencing.
MPs to debate government plans to fast-track fracking
Government proposals to relax the planning rules for shale gas sites are due to be discussed for the first time in the chamber of the House of Commons.
300K+-signature petitions against government plans to fast-track fracking
Three petitions with a total of 300,000+ signatures were handed in this morning to the government, opposing its plans to fast-track fracking decisions in England.
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.
Minister quizzed on evidence behind fracking proposals
The Labour MP, Louise Haigh (left), has questioned the government about the basis of the written ministerial statement, issued earlier this month, on shale gas and fracking.
Lancs fracking site not safe, sustainable or supported, local councillor tells MPs
Cuadrilla’s plans to frack at Roseacre Wood are neither safe, sustainable nor supported, a parish councillor told politicians yesterday.
Former planning minister backs local decisions on fracking
The former planning minister, Brandon Lewis, said tonight he believed decisions on shale gas should be made by local people, through their local authority.
Fracking Week in Westminster w/e 6/3/15
Weekly update on parliamentary statements and questions on fracking and onshore oil and gas developments. This week: Government announces opening of bidding for extra money for local authorities dealing with shale oil and gas planning applications – statement Consultation opens on changes to planning laws for groundwater monitoring […]
Doubts over ability of local councils to assess shale gas risk – new survey
Local authorities lack competence to deal with important issues in shale gas planning applications, according to a majority of respondents to a new survey.
Government fracking promise – bribe or pathetic crumbs from the Treasury’s table?
David Cameron announced this morning that councils would be able to keep 100% of business rates they collect from shale gas sites, up from the current figure of 50%. Speaking in Lincolnshire, he said this could be worth up to £1.7 million a year for a typical fracking […]
