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Written question asked by Carol Monaghan (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 29 April 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 May 2019. It was answered by Kit Malthouse (Conservative) on Wednesday, 8 May 2019 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Fracking: Planning

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to help ensure the (a) interests and (b) safety of local communities is fully considered in decisions on planning for shale gas fracking; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

The Government is firmly committed to ensuring that local communities are fully involved in planning decisions that affect them. Planning applications for shale development proposals require consultation with local communities, ensuring that planning concerns about potential impacts raised by local people are taken into account in the determination of such applications.

The Government takes the safety of the public and environmental protection very seriously and are confident we have a robust regulatory framework in place. We have been clear that shale gas exploration development must be safe and environmentally sound. The UK has world-class regulation to ensure that shale gas exploration can happen safely, respecting local communities and safeguarding the environment. National planning policy makes clear that in considering planning applications, mineral planning authorities should ensure that there are no unacceptable adverse impacts on the natural and historic environment or on human health.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
248718
Session
2017-19
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Planning Fracking
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk