The Environment Agency has granted Cuadrilla the environmental permits for shale gas exploration at a second site in Lancashire.

The permits for Roseacre Wood near Elswick set out the requirements the fracking firm must meet to protect groundwater, surface water and air quality. It must also ensure the safe storage, management and disposal of waste.

The Environment Agency said a “thorough assessment” and two “extensive” public consultations of Cuadrilla’s applications were carried out.

It previously granted environmental permits to carry out operations safely at the company’s site in Preston New Road.

Steve Molyneux, Environment Manager for Lancashire said: “I am confident the strict controls set out in the permits to manage waste, safe flaring of gas and conditions to safeguard local water resources will ensure that people and the environment remain protected.”

Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla said the company is “pleased” with the decision, adding: “Following such a rigorous review and public consultation of all of our permit applications by the regulator, this unequivocally demonstrates that, as we have committed, our proposed exploratory operations will be carried out responsibly ensuring the local environment is protected.”

Yesterday Lancashire County Council announced it would delay its decision on whether to accept Cuadrilla’s planning applications until April.