North Yorkshire ruling 'a difficult decision'

North Yorkshire council's chief executive Richard Flinton has said the decision to allow Third Energy to frack in Kirby Misperton was "very difficult" but won't have a bearing on future applications.

Mr Flinton said: "This has been a very difficult decision for the council to make and we know it is a difficult decision for the people of this county."

"We are proud of our beautiful county which attracts so many visitors and maintains a thriving tourism industry. We have no intention of jeopardising those qualities and our rural industries and livelihoods."

"In this case there has already been drilling for gas on this site over many years. The decision taken today does not have a bearing on future decisions. Each application of this nature will be decided upon based on its own merits," he added.