Cuadrilla seeks delay to fracking planning decision

Cuadrilla has asked that decisions on its applications to explore for shale gas in Lancashire be delayed. The announcement comes just days after planning officers recommended they should be rejected […]

Cuadrilla has asked that decisions on its applications to explore for shale gas in Lancashire be delayed.

The announcement comes just days after planning officers recommended they should be rejected due to concerns over excessive noise and traffic disruption.

Cuadrilla said it would apply a further sound barrier around the major parts of the drilling rigs to reduce night-time noise levels.

It claims to have also “agreed in principle with the Ministry of Defence to route all HGV traffic during operations through the RAF Inskip site so traffic does not pass through the local villages of Wharles or Roseacre during site construction, drilling or fracturing operations”.

The company added: “We and our expert advisers believe these mitigations address all issues which have recently been raised by the planning officers and should be more widely discussed before the development control committee determines the planning applications.”

Cuadrilla has applied to frack at two sites at Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood.

Lancashire County Council’s development control committee was due to consider the applications this week.

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