By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Labour is putting forward an urgent motion calling on Cheshire East Council to do everything it can to prevent fracking in the borough.
Certain areas are believed to have the geological conditions suitable for hydraulic fracturing process to extract shale gas.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
A Cheshire East councillor has sought reassurance that Cheshire East Council is not anti-fracking and would keep an open mind if applications came forward in light of the current energy crisis.
Cllr Sarah Pochin (Bunbury, Ind) was speaking during a debate on the council’s draft minerals and waste plan at the environment and communities committee.
Nantwich Mayor and town councillor David Marren has joined 800 others across the UK to fight a Government bid to make easier planning regulations for fracking companies.
Under the proposals, fracking firms wishing to carry out exploratory drilling in areas of Cheshire will not have to obtain planning permission from local authorities.
By Stephen Topping
A Labour member is calling on Cheshire East Council to make sure it has a voice if gas firms apply to frack on the borough’s land.
Cllr Nick Mannion, member for Macclesfield West and Ivy, told Thursday’s full council meeting that CEC should challenge the Government over its policy to make decisions on fracking sites that go against the wishes of both communities and local planning authorities.
Fracking licences covering Nantwich and South Cheshire have been awarded to companies in the latest round held by the Government.
The new licences were announced by the Oil and Gas Authority, and cover Nantwich town, surrounding villages south to Audlem, north to Tarporley, and east to Crewe and Alsager.
Green Party politicians have welcomed plans to turn South Cheshire into a potential hub for geothermal energy.
Surveys and drilling is set to take place in the Cheshire Basin north of Nantwich.
Cheshire East Council chiefs dismissed potential shale gas “fracking” sites – hours after David Cameron claimed it was the future for energy. Oil and gas companies leading the charge for shale gas plan to expand drilling sites in the UK – with Crewe and Nantwich area a potential rich source.
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