UK Shale: Full Steam Ahead For Fracking?

On 6 October 2016, the UK's Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid, overruled local councillors on appeal and approved Cuadrilla's plans to explore for shale gas in Lancashire. Cuadrilla has been granted planning permission, which is subject to certain conditions, to drill and use hydraulic fracturing for four horizontal wells at its Preston New Road site.  A second opportunity to drill four further wells at its Roseacre Wood site could soon be granted, subject to Cuadrilla providing further evidence on road safety.  As applications for both sites were rejected by Lancashire County Council last year, the decision signifies a shift in the political support for shale gas in the UK, although it remains a highly debated topic.