Fracking consultations launched

The Government has launched two consultations regarding shale gas development in England, both of which are open for comments until 25 October 2018.

The two consultations are seeking views on whether:

• permitted development rights should be granted for exploratory drilling for shale gas resources;
• shale gas production projects should be considered as part of the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime.

The first proposal would only give permitted development rights to exploratory drilling, not to the actual extraction of shale gas. Furthermore, any permitted development right would be subject to strict conditions and limitations that must be met if the activity was to go ahead without planning permission.

The second proposal could potentially include the extraction of shale gas into one of the highest levels of planning consideration currently available in the planning system.

Energy Minister Claire Perry said, "This package of measures delivers on our manifesto promise to support shale and it will ensure exploration happens in the most environmentally responsible way while making it easier for companies and local communities to work together."

For more information, see the:

• Consultation on permitted development for shale gas exploration;
• Consultation on the Inclusion of shale gas production projects in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime.