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C. Keates   13/08/2015 at 14:10

I believe the reason that govt has taken this step is that ouncils have been ignoring the Planning Framework, and Councillors have been turning down applications because a vocal minority of their residents have been making noise. There are alot of myths about the "damage" that fracking might cause (water pollution, and even earthquakes!) none of which have been proved, but which now seem to have morphed into "fact". This country is in hock to other countries for energy supplies, notably Russia, and we have all seen what Russia can do when things don't go their way. The US is increasingly moving towards energy self-sufficiency (yes, there's still a long way to go, but at least they are moving!) which is more than can be said for the nimbys and myth-peddlers which hold us back in the UK. If you really want to object, at least please get the facts right!

Concerned Councillor   13/08/2015 at 22:36

Alternatively, national politicians are blinded to public opinion by well heeled lobbying firms, and the vested interests of certain politicians with vested interests. We don't have to pump chemicals into the watercourses and disrupt the geology in this crowded isle for the sake of squeezing the last oil out of the ground. Renewable energy is a much more sustainable way of reducing reliance on imported dirty energy. But again, the current administration are undermining the renewable energy sector, probably for the same reason. Increasingly we have a very poor democracy, and removal of local scrutiny and control.

Icini123   14/08/2015 at 11:19

There are no viable alternatives to carbon based fuels that can be accessed without subsidies, which plunge industry into uncompetitive situations and many consumers into fuel poverty. We need to frack. The trick is regulation and both national and local government are highly influenced by the oil industry who seem to regard profit before people or a vocal minority over common sense. A completely independent body needs to examine the geology and the technology proposed for each site. They are all different. Councils could then grant approval based on science, not on emotion and apply conditions to protect local people.

Concerned Human   20/08/2015 at 07:10

@ C.Keates : damage/pollutions - "none of which have been proved" Do you read ? Do the research. Masses of normal humans in Aus and US whose lives have been ruined by Fracking...and some have been threatened to 'keep their mouths shut'. Common sense says if you continually fracture the earth it will cause damage, let alone the carcinogenic chemicals which are being pumped down into it, some of which will seep into the ground. And with hundreds of Frack pads running the beauty of the countryside who would want to visit, or even live here ! We are TOO SMALL AN ISLAND for thousands of Frack sites. As usual it's heads in the sand, all out for company profits and no thought for our environment, health or our childrens' future.

Peter   20/08/2015 at 10:15

C Keates....you really know nothing. We have NEVER imported gas from Russia...check your facts. Apart from the fact that concrete, that lines the bore holes, will defifinitely fail over time, thousands of gallons of hydrochloric acid are used to clean the hole before the millions of gallons of frack fluid are pumped into the ground. The government admits it does not have the means to clean this fluid, which contains radoactive materials and heavy metals. Not a lot of this frack fluid can be recovered. Any questions?

A Simpson   20/08/2015 at 11:30

why is it that no-one believes we Brits are better than the USA and/or Australia at managing drilling processes? On the land we own there is a nodding donkey site. It has been there for well in excess of 40 years and was fracked originally. The bore hole concrete is monitored at regular 3 monthly intervals, along with the bore hole piping, and so far neither have shown any sign of failure. The farmers use many more chemicals on the land around us than would be used to frack 10 wells, if not more, and none of this, let alone 'not a lot' is recovered. Why should there be any questions?

Bailey 61   20/08/2015 at 17:17

High volume hydraulic fracturing is NOT the same thing as fracturing (A SIMPSON). We have only ever had 1 HVHF well in the UK at Preese Hall in Lancashire, which led to seismic activity and the deforming of the bore hole structure. We should all be very concerned about fracking, but we should also be very concerned about a Government that puts the interests of big business before its electorate...that attempts to challenge the democratic process in order to get its own way.....and that is ( according to recent granted licences for fracking), making the North of England a sacrifice zone for fracking.

Laura   21/08/2015 at 11:06

There are many many alternative ways of energy and one that can be FREE-- why hasn't these been explored??? simple - all down to Greed and Politics for power and control! here's one of many links FYI: http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/10/11/multiple-scientists-confirm-the-reality-of-free-energy-heres-the-proof/comment-page-2/