The Government has announced plans to speed up shale gas planning applications.
Ministers say they want to ensure shale applications can’t be frustrated by what they describe as "slow and confused decision making" amongst councils.
The government has announced plans to speed up Shale gas planning applications. Ministers say they want to ensure shale applications can’t be frustrated by what they describe as "slow and confused decision making" amongst councils.
Councillors in Lancashire turned down two applications by the firm Cuadrilla to explore for shale gas in Roseacre and Little Plumpton on the Fylde. While the announcement was welcomed by campaigners against the process there was criticism at the length of time taken to make a decision.
Now plans by officials at Whitehall to speed up the process have come in for criticism. Campaigners at enviromental group Greenpeace said "the Government is riding rough shod over democracy to industrialise our most beautiful landscapes and damage the climate."
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