The Government (www.gov.uk) last week announced that shale-gas planning applications will be fast-tracked through a new, dedicated planning process.

Under new measures drawn up by the Department of Energy, local councils will be told they must rule on applications within the 16-week statutory time-frame already in place or face the Communities Secretary making the decision for them; this situation has prompted critics to argue that the Government is undermining local democracy.

However, the Energy Department points out that ministers already have the power to take over the decision on any controversial planning issue at any stage of the application, but say that they will now consider applying this power routinely to every bid to drill for shale gas.

They will also ask the Planning Inspectorate to give priority to any appeals against planning refusal for shale gas.

The Government fears that companies could be deterred by the example of long delays in the planning process for Cuadrilla’s recent application to drill for shale gas at two sites and that this could “prevent the development of a potentially vital national industry”.

Cuadrilla’s plans were eventually rejected by the local councils involved more than a year after being submitted, despite the 16-week time-frame.

Energy Secretary Amber Rudd said: “We are backing the safe development of shale gas because it is good for jobs, good for our energy security and part of our plan to de-carbonise the economy. We need more secure home-grown
energy supplies — and shale gas must play a part in that.

“To ensure that we get this industry up and running, we can’t have a planning system that sees applications dragged out for months, or even years.

Oversight by the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency of shale developments makes our commitment to safety and the environment crystal-clear.

“We now need, above all else, a system that delivers timely planning decisions and works effectively for local people and developers.”

Communities Secretary Greg Clark said: “There is huge potential right across the country for safe and sustainable use of shale gas, to provide a clean long-term energy source and create British jobs and growth.

“People’s safety and the environment will remain paramount, and communities will always be involved in planning applications, but no one benefits from uncertainty caused by delays in planning decisions. By fast-tracking any appropriate applications, we will tackle potential hold-ups in the system.”

The new measures come as the Energy Department prepares to announce the locations of dozens of areas across England where they have awarded energy companies the right to explore for shale gas and oil.

Not a single well has been ‘fracked’ since 2011, when Cuadrilla is believed to have caused earth tremors attempting the process near Blackpool.