Fracking company refused extension to restore site

The energy company Cuadrilla has been refused additional time to return its former fracking location in Lancashire, one of only two shale gas wells in the UK, to farmland. The firm had requested a two-year extension from Lancashire County Council to complete restoration work at the Preston New Road site near Blackpool.

The council's development control committee unanimously rejected the application after hearing from multiple speakers, all opposing any delay in restoration.

The Preston New Road site was the UK's first horizontal fracking operation. Drilling was halted after more than 120 small earthquakes were recorded, with the most recent suspension occurring in 2022 under the previous government. Fracking at the site had faced strong opposition from environmental groups and local residents, who welcomed the councils decision as a positive outcome.

In its request, Cuadrilla cited the need for "additional time for the Environment Agency groundwater permit surrender process and subsequent site restoration." The company had previously been granted an extension until June this year, a deadline that was missed, with well-plugging work only taking place in the spring.

During the council meeting, committee member Adrian Owens from the Our West Lancashire Party criticized Cuadrilla, stating the company had "not demonstrated good faith" and suggesting that granting the extension would simply lead to further delays. Clive Balchin, Reform UK councillor, expressed some sympathy but emphasized that "rules are rules" and that local residents should not be disadvantaged.

Conservative councillor John Singleton also opposed the extension, calling the decision "common sense" and warning that granting it could result in future delays. Campaign group Frack Free Lancashire expressed cautious satisfaction, stating that while the outcome was positive, full restoration of the site is still required.

Helen Rimmer of Friends of the Earth welcomed the decision, urging the council to enforce immediate restoration according to monitoring requirements. Fracking has faced repeated suspensions over the decades due to earthquake risks and environmental concerns, with the government in October announcing plans to introduce legislation to permanently ban the practice in England.

Cuadrilla has the right to appeal the councils decision.

Author: Zoe Harrison