Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 11 April 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 April 2016. It was answered by Lord Wharton of Yarm (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 April 2016 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Fracking

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if he will update national and planning policies to (a) account for shale operations and (b) introduce buffer zones between shale developments and local communities.

Answer: The National Planning Policy Framework and supporting guidance sets out a comprehensive approach to planning for shale gas extraction in England. Planning guidance includes the use of buffer zones in the determination of planning applications for hydrocarbon extraction, including from shale. This states that above ground separation distances are acceptable in specific circumstances where it is clear that, based on site specific assessments and other forms of mitigation measures (such as working scheme design and landscaping), a certain distance is required between the boundary of the minerals site and the adjacent development.

Secondary information