The Government has changed its response to this petition.

The change has come in response to a letter by the Chair of the Petitions Committee asking for a clearer response. The new version reads:

“Full reasons for the Secretary of State’s decisions were published in his decision letter of 6 October 2016.

Full reasons for the Secretary of State’s decisions are set out on pages 1-25 of the decision letter that was published on 6 October 2016.

The Secretary of State took into account the wide range of relevant issues that were raised and evidence that was put forward in these appeals, as well as the detailed findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Planning Inspector who held a public inquiry. All relevant issues raised by local people, Lancashire County Council and others were carefully considered by the Inspector and by the Secretary of State.

The decision letter explains how the Secretary of State has taken these issues into account and how he has reached his conclusions and decisions. The decision letter and the Inspector’s Report are available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recovered-appeals-cuadrilla-bowland-ltd-and-cuadrilla-elswick-ltd-refs-3134386-3130923-3134385-and-3130924-6-october-2016

The Government is committed to devolving powers to local authorities, and the vast majority of planning applications are considered by local authorities. However, for most planning applications there is a right of appeal where the local authority refuses planning permission or does not make a decision within specified timescales. Decisions on appeals are made by the Planning Inspectorate or the Secretary of State, and there is also a right to legally challenge these decisions. Further information on planning appeals and legal challenges is available in the national planning policy guidance at: http://tinyurl.com/AppealGuidance”

The original response said:

“Full reasons for the Secretary of State’s decisions on the Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood, Preston, Lancashire appeals were published in his decision letter of 6 October 2016.

The Government is committed to devolving powers to local authorities and the vast majority of planning cases are considered in the first instance by local authorities. However, there has long been a right of appeal against the refusal of planning permission or non-determination by local authorities in respect of most planning applications made to them as well as a right to challenge the decision of a Planning Inspector or the Secretary of State on an appeal or called-in application.

Further advice on planning appeals and challenges is available in the national planning policy guidance available online at: http://tinyurl.com/AppealGuidance

The Secretary of State has now made decisions on these applications and the full reasons for the decisions incorporating the proposed planning conditions on these appeals have been set out in the decision letter that was issued on 6 October. The decision letter, together with the Inspector’s report, can be accessed on the Government’s website at the following address:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recovered-appeals-cuadrilla-bowland-ltd-and-cuadrilla-elswick-ltd-refs-3134386-3130923-3134385-and-3130924-6-october-2016

Given that the reasons for the decisions are set out in the decision letter it would not be appropriate to comment further.

The appeal cases consist of:

• Preston New Road, Appeal A: permission granted for shale gas exploration

• Preston New Road, Appeal B: permission granted for monitoring works

• Roseacre Wood, Appeal C: this appeal relating to shale gas exploration is still subject to Ministers’ final decision

• Roseacre Wood, Appeal D: permission granted for monitoring works.”

This change was made on 29 November 2016.