North Yorkshire council approves five-year fracking ban

Ryedale Council has agreed a five-year ban on any fracking activity within the North Yorkshire district.

Two councillors, John Clark and Joy Andrews proposed the motion to colleagues and the authority has unanimously rejected any plans for fracking at Kirby Misperton.

The decision to frack within the North Yorkshire district was made by Third Energy, a company with a "purpose of building a portfolio of UK producing appraisal assets, onshore and offshore."

Third Energy is contesting the decision with a view that fracking is safe.

North Yorkshire County Council will have a final say but Third Energy has set out a public consultation period.