Consultation to start on controversial fracking proposal

It came after Third Energy UK Gas Ltd applied to the Agency for permits to frack for shale gas at Kirby Misperton, near Pickering. The consultation will run until Friday July 10.

A public drop-in will be held at Kirby Misperton Village Hall next Tuesday from noon to 8pm.

More than a thousand people have signed a petition calling on North Yorkshire County Council to “oppose fracking and all other forms of unconventional fossil fuel extraction” in the county.

Frack Free Yorkshire said they would continue to oppose the application and would be seeking legal advice.

A spokesman said: “We want the EA to take our concerns seriously. The scientific evidence is growing about the harm and risks of fracking. Wherever fracking has taken place in the USA, Australia and Canada there have been thousands of complaints regarding drinking water contamination, air pollution, road congestion, serious human health problems, noise pollution and increased earthquakes. The EA cannot ignore these facts and we urge them to oppose Fracking in the county and reject any future permit applications from Third Energy.”

Environment Manager at the Environment Agency Martin Christmas said: “We will now assess the proposals to ensure they meet our strict requirements. We welcome comments from the public and interested groups on local environmental factors that people feel are important.”

The application will be available to view online from Wednesday. Hard copies will also be available to view at the Environment Agency’s offices in York and Leeds.