Written question asked by Caroline Lucas (Green Party) on Tuesday, 14 June 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 June 2016. It was answered by Lord Wharton of Yarm (Conservative) on Wednesday, 29 June 2016 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, if he will wait until the Committee on Climate Change report on the compatibility of UK onshore petroleum with meeting UK carbon budgets and the Government's response is published before taking any decision to reverse (a) the planning decision against fracking made by Lancashire County Council and (b) any other planning decisions that are made by local authorities concerning the extraction of shale gas.

Answer: Secretary of State planning casework decisions are taken on the basis of the material considerations before the Secretary of State.

Secondary information