Anti-fracking campaigners: Kirby Misperton approval 'unlawful'
Friends of the Earth and members of local residents group, Frack Free Ryedale have written formally to North Yorkshire County Council in the wake of the council’s decision to allow fracking near the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.
The process of hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking, involves pumping water, sand and chemicals at high pressure into underground rock formations to release gas.
The environmental campaigners notified the council in writing today that they believe the decision taken on May 23 to allow Third Energy to frack in Kirby Misperton, Ryedale, was unlawful and may seek judicial review if they do not receive a satisfactory reply.
The key ground on which Friends of the Earth and members of Frack Free Ryedale intend to challenge the council’s decision is climate change.
The chief executive of Third Energy, which has been given approval to frack for shale gas at the site, said it is not celebrating a victory, but sees it as a 'huge responsibility'.