Cuadrilla fails in first Lancashire fracking site bid
Cuadrilla has failed in its bid to get a fracking project approved at Roseacre Wood in Lancashire, a move the energy company said was disappointing but not surprising, and says it may appeal the decision.
The company had two decisions under review, and Lancashire County Council’s planning officers had recommended that the bid be declined.
A decision on a development at the other site, Preston New Road, has been deferred until Monday.
Cuadrilla’s application for permission to frack on the Preston New Road site is recommended for approval, and a decision was expected on Wednesday but Lancashire county council put the vote off .
In a statement, Cuadrilla said: “We are disappointed but not surprised that Lancashire County Council’s Development Control Committee has denied planning consent for our application at Roseacre Wood, as their decision follows a negative recommendation by the Council’s planning officers.
“We will now take time to consider our options, including our right to appeal.”
Lancashire’s planning officers had cited traffic concerns for giving a negative recommendation to the company’s original plans.
Cuadrilla said yesterday that it remains confident that its original proposed route, together with the proposed road improvements and traffic management plan, was safe and suitable for the “modest level of HGV journeys proposed” and met all necessary guidelines.
If Cuadrilla does get the go ahead to frack at Preston New Road, it will be the first fracking operation in the UK for four years.
The company added: “If we can unlock this shale gas potential it will help create jobs, generate economic growth, help fuel and heat local businesses and homes and boost local tax revenues for Lancashire.”