Live: North Yorkshire fracking debate

Follow our live coverage as North Yorkshire County Councillors return to discuss a controversial application to begin a fracking operation at Kirby Misperton.
Demonstrators outside County Hall in Northallerton. Image:  John Giles/PA WireDemonstrators outside County Hall in Northallerton. Image:  John Giles/PA Wire
Demonstrators outside County Hall in Northallerton. Image: John Giles/PA Wire

Day Two

Kyle Boote, who runs the Helmsley Brewing Company, told county councillors the green light for the plan would see people like him reconsider their futures in the area.

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He was speaking at the start of the second day of a planning hearing in Northallerton to decide whether Third Energy should be given permission to use the controversial mining method at a site in Ryedale.

Councillors have convened at County Hall in Northallerton for a second day, as discussions continue into the controversial appeal to begin a fracking operation at Kirby Misperton. A decision is expected today.

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Demonstrators outside County Hall in Northallerton. Image:  John Giles/PA WireDemonstrators outside County Hall in Northallerton. Image:  John Giles/PA Wire
Demonstrators outside County Hall in Northallerton. Image: John Giles/PA Wire

FRIDAY, May 20

Baroness Anne McIntosh

Controversial plans to frack in North Yorkshire could have a devastating impact on the local economy, a former MP has warned.

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Baroness Anne McIntosh warned granting permission to use the controversial mining method could turn Ryedale into “an industrial site on a massive” scale.

Demonstrators outside County Hall in Northallerton. Image: John Giles/PA WireDemonstrators outside County Hall in Northallerton. Image: John Giles/PA Wire
Demonstrators outside County Hall in Northallerton. Image: John Giles/PA Wire

Protest

Around 300 protesters have turned out at County Hall in Northallerton today.

Vivienne Westwood has pulled out of today's protests against fracking at Northallerton.

The fashion designer said: "I wish I was with you in Northallerton today, but I'm still in bed. I caught a virus and I'm not up to travelling.

Demonstrators outside County Hall in Northallerton. Image:  John Giles/PA WireDemonstrators outside County Hall in Northallerton. Image:  John Giles/PA Wire
Demonstrators outside County Hall in Northallerton. Image: John Giles/PA Wire
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"Although I can't be there with you, I am sending my support to all of you in Northallerton.

"We are fighting one of the most important fights in the UK today - the fight to keep the country frack-free.

"We are taking on a rich and powerful industry, supported by the Government - and we are winning"

Fracking could have a devastating impact on a North Yorkshire rural community if councillors allow an application to use the controversial mining method in Ryedale to go ahead, it was claimed today.

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County Coun Lyndsay Burr urged North Yorkshire County Council's planning committee to reject Third Energy's plan to frack at a site close to Kirby Misperton.

A matter of immense local significance to residents who live in the village and surrounding area, the outcome will also have regional and national repercussions. The proposed site is on the very edge of the North York Moors, one of the cornerstones of this area’s tourism industry, and will have ramifications for the future of UK energy policy.

Demonstrators outside County Hall in Northallerton. Image: John Giles/PA WireDemonstrators outside County Hall in Northallerton. Image: John Giles/PA Wire
Demonstrators outside County Hall in Northallerton. Image: John Giles/PA Wire

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