Third Energy chief executive said his firm would continue to maintain high standards after gaining planning permission to begin fracking in the North Yorkshire village of Kirby Misperton.
Rasik Valand, boss of the London-based shale developer, said: “We are pleased that the planning officer has recommended that North Yorkshire County Council approve our application.
“Third Energy has been drilling wells and producing gas safely and discreetly from this site in Kirby Misperton for over 20 years and we will continue to maintain the same standards in the future.”
“Within our application, and throughout North Yorkshire County Council’s thorough assessment of it, including various stages of consultation, and through all the additional information provided, we have addressed the wide range of questions, concerns and comments raised by NYCC, statutory consultees and others.
“This work is reflected in the planning officer’s report, together with the planning conditions proposed. We believe that this thorough report will enable North Yorkshire County Council to reach a positive determination on our application.
UKOOG, the onshore oil and gas industry body, welcomed the planning officer’s recommendation.
Chief executive Ken Cronin said: “It is good news that the North Yorkshire County Council planning officer is recommending that the planning application at Kirby Misperton is approved, reflecting the hard work NYCC officers and Third Energy have done to address concerns that have been raised following extensive consultations. We will look forward to the council’s decision on that application in due course.
“This recommendation should not be seen by anyone as a surprise, considering the well at Kirby Misperton has already been approved by the council, Health and Safety Executive and an independent well examiner and subsequently drilled.
“The further application for the hydraulic fractures has also received approval by the Environment Agency with the issue of relevant permits.”
