ON Friday, November 23, BBC Look North (Yorkshire) carried a report warning that proposed changes to planning law could produce “test sites for fracking as a permitted development”.

This was not correct; the consultation document “Permitted development for shale gas exploration” is very clear it only covers exploration, not any subsequent appraisal or development.

It specifically states: “Where a developer intends to use hydraulic fracturing as part of the operation, or as would be necessary at the appraisal stage, they would be required to obtain planning permission from the relevant mineral planning authority.”

The mineral planning authority for this area is North Yorkshire County Council. Therefore the need to obtain approval from local representatives is maintained.

However the proposal itself is fundamentally flawed. Exploration for conventional hydrocarbons has to follow the full procedure for planning consent.

The environmental footprint of a shale gas exploration rig is identical to that for conventional oil and gas.

Similarly, the local effect of such activities, such as vehicle movements etc are considerably greater than those normally within the scope of permitted development.

Feedback on the consultation document closed on October 25 and is now being considered. Let’s see if wise heads prevail.

Steve Kirby,

Greengage Close, Malton