Ministers have approved the development of fracking across Britain which allows drilling in exceptional circumstances in national parks and other protected areas.
This comes after appeals from environmentalists for an outright ban on access to national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty and world heritage sites.
For the first time in six years, about 50% of the country will be marketed for exploration for firms to make bids for onshore oil and gas licences.
The Government has however, tightened guidance on fracking. Energy firms will need to submit a comprehensive and detailed environmental statement if they want to frack on or near protected countryside. It is hoped that this will force them to exhibit their understanding of local issues. Any application of this nature should be refused unless there are exceptional circumstances and it is within the public interest.
Many hurdles must be overcome in order to gain permission to frack on one of these sites. Along with the licence, firms will also have to obtain planning consent, permits from the Environment Agency and sign-off from the Health and Safety Executive.
It is thought there will be several areas of interest within Britain including Bowland, parts of Scotland and the Weald.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, a Tory communities minister explained that the significance of outstanding landscape and scenic beauty was understood and "Proposals for such development must recognise the importance of these sites".
Matthew Hancock, the Conservative energy minister was positive about the plans which he believes will “protect Britain's great national parks and outstanding landscapes” and wishes to speed up the process so companies can start drilling within six months of an application.
The Government are hoping that their tightening of the rules will appease those opposing them including some of their own Conservative backbenchers, green campaigners and local residents.
These rules however, may not have the impact they hoped as Louise Hutchins, a Greenpeace energy campaigner still fears communities will face a "fracking postcode lottery". She described her fear of what could turn into a “reckless race for shale”.
Caroline Lucas, the Green party MP also strongly opposes changes and believes that protective status has now become almost useless.
Surprisingly, The National Trust seemed happy with the development stating it was "right that the Government have recognised the concerns about fracking in special places like national parks".
Last year the British Geological survey estimated that deposits could supply the country with gas for up to 40 years.
Simon Walker, director-general of the Institute of Directors, saw this as a step in the right direction and said it marked "the road towards a dynamic, productive and well regulated shale industry in the UK".
It is thought changes may have a wider positive impact as Energy Minister Hancock pointed out that "unlocking shale gas in Britain has the potential to provide us with greater energy security, jobs and growth".
