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Written question asked by Mims Davies (Conservative) on Monday, 9 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. It was answered by Michael Shanks (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.


Fracking

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of (a) onshore oil developments in the UK on areas of significant housing growth such as the Ardingly Reservoir catchment and (b) those developments on drinking water.

Answer

Local planning authorities and the Environment Agency are responsible for assessing the impact of onshore oil and gas developments on housing and drinking water respectively.

The North Sea Transition Authority regulates exploration and development licensing for England’s onshore oil and gas resources on behalf of the Secretary of State. Licence holders require further consents and permits before any operations take place.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
111743
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Construction Housing Drinking water Fracking
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk