Councillors have deferred a decision on a planning application to frack for shale gas in Lancashire until next Monday.
They voted for more time to consider further legal advice on the proposal by energy firm Cuadrilla to explore for shale gas by by drilling, fracking and testing the flow of gas at a site in Little Plumpton, between Preston and Blackpool.
Earlier the meeting of Lancashire County Council’s development control committee heard that councillors had been under “intolerable pressure” in making the final ruling on the controversial process of releasing gas.
Cuadrilla wants to develop two new sites between Preston and Blackpool to explore for shale gas by drilling, fracking and testing the flow of gas.
A report from Lancashire County Council planning officials recommended that one of the sites – at Preston New Road near Little Plumpton – be passed subject to a number of conditions being met such as hours of working, control of noise and highway matters.
Yesterday, about 70 speakers – both for and against the Preston New Road proposal – argued their case before the 15 members of the council’s development control committee and a decision was expected today, however, councillors have confirmed that decision will now not be made until Monday.
Fracking was suspended in the UK in 2011 following earth tremors in Blackpool where Cuadrilla previously drilled.