UK CIA disappointed as council rejects north England shale plans

Franco Capaldo

30-Jun-2015

LONDON (ICIS)–The UK’s Chemical Industries Association (CIA) late on Monday said it was disappointed with the decision of Lancashire County Council to reject plans by Cuadrilla to explore for shale gas at two separate sites in the north of England.

Cuadrilla had submitted proposals to the council in May 2014 to drill exploration wells at sites in the Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood areas of Lancashire.

Lancashire County Council’s development control committee rejected the Roseacre Wood application last week because of the impact of traffic in the local area, and on Monday also denied planning consent at Preston New Road “on the grounds of noise and visual impact.”

The committee also refused a separate application for the same site at Preston New Road to enable Cuadrilla to monitor its operations because of impact on the landscape.

Steve Elliott, chief executive of the CIA, said that while “chemical businesses fully respected the role and responsibility of elected Councillors across the UK, it is disappointing that the country is not able to begin fracking.

“As supplies of gas from the North Sea diminish, the UK needs a new source to ensure security of supply, not least for the chemical sector which also uses gas as a feedstock (raw material).  Shale gas offers the potential to both sustain our existing operations and contribute to future jobs and growth.”

He added: “I believe shale gas can and will be done in a way that is socially and environmentally sound. We have to respect the concerns of those who have questions and continue to work with legislators, regulators and policy-makers to reach a solution that meets our energy needs, provides reassurance to all and lets us compete on the global stage. Shale gas helps us to meet all of these challenges.”

On Monday, Cuadrilla responded to Lancashire County Council’s decision in a statement: “We are surprised and disappointed that Lancashire County Council’s development control committee has denied planning consent for our application to explore for shale gas at Preston New Road, particularly as their decision follows a positive recommendation by the council’s planning officers.

“We remain committed to the responsible exploration of the huge quantity of natural gas locked up in the shale rock deep underneath Lancashire.”
Cuadrilla said it would be considering its options, including the possibility of appealing against both decisions.

Additional reporting by Graeme Paterson

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