Thomas Bridge 17 July 2015

Fracking U-turn sparks fears of drilling in wildlife sites

A Government U-turn on pledges to protect Britain’s important wildlife locations from fracking could ‘ruin’ hundreds of conservation sites, campaigners have warned.

Ministers have now gone back on commitments to ban exploration for shale gas in Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), claiming such a law could hold back the industry.

Energy secretary Amber Rudd told MPs in January that ‘we have agreed an outright ban on fracking in national parks [and] sites of special scientific interest’.

However draft regulations laid in Parliament on Thursday by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) covering where fracking would be excluded has outlined shale gas exploration will no longer be blocked in SSSIs.

Surface level protection would still be extended 1,200 metres beneath a National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty, a World Heritage site and the Broads.

A DECC spokesman said: ‘SSSI already have strong protection under the existing planning and regulatory regime. As they are numerous and extremely widespread it would be impractical to completely rule out drilling in SSSI.

‘However, the National Planning Policy Framework already makes clear that development should not normally be permitted if it is likely to have an adverse effect on a Site of Special Scientific Interest.’

Daisy Sands, Greenpeace UK head of energy said: ‘The Government seems intent on watering down their pledge that national parks, the most beautiful and beloved areas of the English countryside, and ground water would be protected from fracking firms, their drilling rigs and pollution.

‘With a few days before recess, this looks like nothing but a blatant attempt to bypass democracy to sneak this deeply unpopular policy in through the back door while noone is looking. Ministers have given concerned citizens up and down the country no opportunity to voice their opposition to the plans that could ruin the countryside, contaminate the water supply and have a devastating impact on the climate.’

The Government’s vow to go ‘all out for shale’ was dealt a blow last month when Lancashire CC rejected two fracking applications from firm Cuadrilla. However it is anticipated that the firm will attempt to overturn the decision.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Standards, Compliance and Development Manager - Children’s residential provisions

Oxfordshire County Council
£57187.00 - £60485.00
This role will lead on Quality Assurance, Standards development, and Regulatory compliance for Oxfordshire’s residential children’s provision, including the unregulated reforms 2022. The post holder will conduct internal inspections within the registe Countywide
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Streetcare LGV Driver / Operative - WMF2112e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£27,711 - £28,624
Westmorland and Furness Council are seeking to employ an enthusiastic and motivated person into a Street Cleansing role Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Specialist Communication Support Worker (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council puts improving the life of its residents at the centre of everything we do. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Apprentice Social Value

Durham County Council
£14,566
Earn. Learn. Qualify.   Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, dev Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pay Reward and Employment Services Support Officers

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) Pay Award Pending
An exciting opportunity has arisen for ten Pay, Reward & Employment Services Support Officers to join our CIPP accredited team.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?  Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner