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Shale developer Cuadrilla has been refused permission by Lancashire Council’s development control committee to explore for shale gas at its Roseacre Wood site.
The application, which comprised shale gas exploration by drilling, hydraulically fracking and testing the flow of gas, was denied on the grounds that operations would have an “unacceptable and potentially severe impact” on the road network.
The committee approved a separate application to enable Cuadrilla to monitor its operations at Roseacre Wood.
Committee member Marcus Johnstone said: “The decision to refuse this application has been reached by a vote of the committee, and each member of the committee has ultimately cast their vote based on the evidence they have heard and whether they think the proposal is acceptable.”
In a statement, Cuadrilla said it was “disappointed but not surprised” at the decision and will now “take time to consider its options, including its right to appeal”.
The firm said: “We completed the most comprehensive environmental impact assessments ever carried out for operations of this kind. These assessments… demonstrate beyond question that the operations can and will be conducted safely and without damage to people’s health or their environment. This view was supported by the planning officer’s report which only cited traffic concerns as a potential issue.”
The onshore oil and gas industry was disappointed by the decision. UK Onshore Oil and Gas chief executive Ken Cronin said: “We are saddened Lancashire County Council has rejected this application, but it was expected given the officials’ report.
He pointed out that the objections are on “narrow, local, site specific issues related to traffic”, and on the “substantive environmental and safety matters” relating to drilling of the well and hydraulic fracturing, “the officials supported this application”.
Yesterday, the Council failed to make a decision on whether to let Cuadrilla test drill at its other Lancashire site, Preston New Road. After two days of deliberation and countless adjournments, councillors chose to defer its decision until Monday 29 June.
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