Anti-Fracking campaigners in Lancashire launch legal challenge
Anti-Fracking campaigners in Lancashire are taking legal action against the governnment's decision to give shale gas drilling the go-ahead at the Preston New Road site.
Anti-Fracking campaigners in Lancashire are taking legal action against the governnment's decision to give shale gas drilling the go-ahead at the Preston New Road site.
The government controversially overturned Lancashire County Council's decision to reject Fracking on the Fylde coast earlier this month.
Now, Preston New Road Action Group says that's breaking the law - and they're legally challenging that decision.
The government has postponed making a decision on whether Fracking should take place at a second site - Roseacre Wood.
The campaigners fighting against drilling for shale gas at Roseacre say they're also considering legal action.
A spokesperson from Preston New Road Action Group said: “PNR Action Group are appalled at the decision of the Secretary of State to overturn local planning decisions in this manner. It was clear at a local level this application was rejected by both the Planning Committee and local residents. There is no social licence to frack Preston New Road.
“The dismantling of local democracy to facilitate this industry is a travesty of justice and begs the question of whether democracy exists any more at a local level. This decision by Westminster is troubling on a number of fronts.
“Lancashire said ‘no’ loudly and clearly and in line with local planning policies, that decision should stand.”
Rowan Smith, of law firm Leigh Day, said: “We believe that the Government’s decision to overturn the Council’s refusal of planning permission to allow fracking on the site is fundamentally flawed. “The decision appears to have been taken in breach of the Council's development plan, which restricts these types of developments, as well as contrary to the correct planning law tests. “We will also argue on behalf of our clients that to allow fracking on this site would have an adverse affect on the health of local people and would ruin the much-loved local landscape.”