A consultation on a shale gas application in North Yorkshire has been launched.

The proposal by Third Energy UK Gas is being processed by North Yorkshire County Council.

If approved the company will test for shale gas. The applicant hopes to produce gas from the well which is located near Kirby Misperton.

The eight-week public consultation on the application will end on 14th October.

The county council is expected to make a decision by 18th November.

The government recently said it would fast-track planning applications to frack under a new process.

It is also offering 27 new onshore oil and gas blocks, including those for shale gas exploration.