Fracking firm Cuadrilla Resources is due to submit a planning application to drill at two new sites in Lancashire.

It plans to hydraulically fracture and test the flow of gas from up to four exploration wells as well as install a network of monitoring stations within a four-kilometre radius at its proposed exploration site at Preston New Road.

Environmental consultancy Arup has produced a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be submitted with the planning form.

Cuadrilla’s Chief Executive Francis Egan said the application could be a “really important milestone” for Lancashire and the UK.

He added: “The development of the shale gas industry has the potential to bring significant investment, community benefits and opportunities for local people and the North West and UK economies.

“We have undertaken extensive consultation and engagement with the local communities on these applications and have listened carefully to what people have told us. Where it has been reasonably practical to do so, we have amended out plans to incorporate feedback and suggestions.”

Cuadrilla also confirmed plans to submit a second application for shale gas exploration at Roseacre Wood, around eight miles inland from the Preston New Road site.