Concern for Wirral coast as Government orders councils to 'fast-track' fracking applications

The new measures mean ministers could take over decision-making from local councils and planning inspectors on any application for fracking.

Margaret Greenwood with Lord Prescott campaigning during May's general election

Communities Secretary Greg Clark is writing to local authorities setting out the new process, saying he wants to ensure fracking applications can’t be frustrated by "slow and confused decision-making among councils, which benefit no one."

The move comes just weeks after Lancashire Council rejected two planning applications from shale gas developer Cuadrilla - prompting the company to launch an appeal.

Wirral West Labour MP Margaret Greenwood in her general election campaign repeatedly raised concerns a Tory Government would allow Hilbre Islands and the Dee Estuary to be earmarked for fracking.

Those concerns have been crystallised by the changes: "The Government's announcement that it intends to fast-track planning applications for fracking sites shows a reckless disregard for both public opinion and the environment," she said.

"This is bad news for Wirral.

"Not only is there the threat of underground coal gasification in the Dee Estuary, there is also the threat of fracking right across West Wirral.

"Public opposition to fracking is growing yet the Government seems determined to ignore this.

"Fracking brings with it serious risks to the local environment, turning rural landscapes into industrialised zones and threatening water contamination and air pollution."

Mrs Greenwood added: "The Government should be listening to people's legitimate concerns.

"It should also be taking its climate change responsibilities seriously. Instead we see a dash for shale gas.

"Within months of coming to power it is very clear they are prioritising industry over the wishes of local people."

But the Government has made clear it is "going all out for shale" and has underlined its commitment to building a UK shale gas and oil industry.

Mr Clark said: “There is huge potential right across the country for safe and sustainable use of shale gas to provide a clean, long-term energy source and create British jobs and growth.

“People’s safety and the environment will remain paramount and communities will always be involved in planning applications.

"But no one benefits from uncertainty caused by delays in planning decisions.

"By fast-tracking any appropriate applications today’s changes will tackle potential hold-ups in the system.

"As a quasi-judicial process planning applications will always be considered with due process and a fair hearing – but today’s measures will prevent the long delays that mean uncertainty both for business and for local residents."

Energy Secretary Amber Rudd said: “As a one-nation Government we are backing the safe development of shale gas because it’s good for jobs giving hardworking people and their families more financial security, good for our energy security and part of our plan to de-carbonise the economy.

"We need more secure, home-grown energy supplies – and shale gas must play a part in that.

“To ensure we get this industry up and running we can’t have a planning system that sees applications dragged out for months or even years on end."

The new measures include:

Identifying councils that repeatedly fail to determine oil and gas applications within the 16-week statutory timeframe with subsequent applications potentially decided by the Communities Secretary.

The Communities Secretary actively considering deciding on a case-by-case basis shale planning applications and considering taking over appeals.

Adding shale applications as a specific criterion for planning appeals to ensure no application can "fall through the cracks."

Ensuring planning call-ins and appeals involving shale applications are prioritised by the Planning Inspectorate.

Progressing work on revising permitted development rights for drilling boreholes for groundwater monitoring.

The Government also believes communities hosting shale gas developments should share in the financial returns they generate and will be presenting proposals later in the year on the design of a new "sovereign wealth" fund.