The first fracking operation in England since a ban was lifted in 2012 has been approved. North Yorkshire County Council's planning committee have approved an application by a UK company - Third Energy, to frack for shale gas near the village of Kirby Misperton. The site in has existing conventional drilling for gas on it. The application had caused considerable controversy in the county, amid concerns it could contaminate the local water supply and harm the region's tourism industry.
The decision marks a major milestone for the fledgling shale gas industry in the UK, which has been plagued by delays and rejections despite the enthusiastic support of Government. Fracking could now take place before the end of the year, if opponents do not delay it by bringing a legal challenge against the decision.
25-May-16 
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