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Written question asked by Mark Menzies (Conservative) on Thursday, 3 December 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 December 2015. It was answered by Lord Wharton of Yarm (Conservative) on Wednesday, 9 December 2015 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.


Fracking: Planning Permission

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what his policy is on pausing planning applications to build shale gas wells until after the Environment Agency has completed its consultation and published guidance for onshore oil and gas operations in the UK.

Answer

There is no policy to delay the determination of shale gas planning proposals pending the completion of the Environment Agency’s consultation on their updated Onshore Oil and Gas Sector Guidance issued on 26 November.

The Government has in place a comprehensive regulatory framework for shale gas development. As part of this, the Environment Agency’s views on schemes can be taken into account by local planning authorities, or by the Secretary of State where relevant, in the determination of planning proposals for shale gas development.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
18624
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Environment Agency Planning permission Public consultation Fracking
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk