This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old



Fracking tests on fields near the North York Moors national park have moved a step closer despite fierce opposition.

A UK firm has applied for permission under the government’s new fast-tracking scheme to explore for shale gas around the village of Kirby Misperton, provoking angry protests from environmental campaigners and local residents.

Work on the site moved a step closer after a report by North Yorkshire county council recommended permission be granted for testing on deposits first identified in the area by Third Energy in 2013.

The report said many of the 4,000 representations it received in consultation objected to the plans, with concerns raised over the impact on climate change, water quality, air pollution and the possibility that drilling would trigger earthquakes.

Environmentalists accused planning officers of dismissing “serious risks” associated with fracking in the area despite there being “clear evidence” it could harm wildlife, people’s health and local businesses.

Campaigners from across the country have pledged to stage a protest against the plans when North Yorkshire county council’s planning committee meets on 20 May, with Dame Vivienne Westwood expected to attend.

Fracking is a technique used to drill for deposits of fossil fuels that cannot be extracted by conventional means. It involves pumping fluids into rocks at such high pressures that they fracture, releasing the gas or oil locked inside.

Critics say the process is disastrous for the environment, leading to pollution of ground water and even triggering earthquakes. Britain is thought to have large deposits of shale gas.

In August, the government announced measures to speed up the process by which firms can apply for planning permission at drill sites. Energy ministers said the plans would both ensure local people have a strong say over the development of shale exploration in their area and benefit communities and firms by speeding up the planning process.

North Yorkshire county council’s report recommended the project should go ahead as it would help to provide for the nation’s energy needs and said there would be sufficient safeguards to protect the environment.

Simon Bowens, Friends of the Earth’s Yorkshire campaigner, said the council should listen to the thousands of residents who objected to fracking at the site.

He said: “While it is disappointing that planning officers have dismissed the serious risks of fracking in Ryedale, Third Energy shouldn’t be popping champagne corks yet. North Yorkshire councillors have been presented with clear evidence that Third Energy’s application could harm local wildlife, local business, people’s health and the environment.”

Third Energy said it had taken “every possible step” to ensure the plan would not harm the environment.

• This article was amended on 13 May 2016 to clarify that fracking has not been approved but a council report has recommended permission be granted for testing in the area.