The controversial plans to expand fracking in England are facing a fresh confrontation with the local councils. Greater Manchester combined authority, one of the biggest in the country which comprises 10 local authorities, pushed forward a decision to stop companies from extracting underground shale gas in the region.
The Greater Manchester combined authority put in place certain planning measures to create a "presumption" against fracking in the area, according to mayor Andy Burnham. The decision comes as part of the effort to become carbon neutral by 2038.
Several other authorities, including Leeds, Wakefield, Hull and York have expressed opposition to fracking, with London finalising a similar scheme as Manchester. This could lead to a showdown with the central Government and significantly weaken their plans.
The decision of the Greater Manchester combined authority echoes decisions made by the devolved Governments in Scotland and Wales, where the Scottish Government banned fracking after public consultation which found overwhelming public opposition and little economic justification, and the Welsh Government have also promised to block any fracking applications.
Burnham said that "There has never been a legal case involving a spatial framework of this kind. We would be empowering our own communities to take on a Government policy which at times seems to impose its will on local communities".
