Fracking approval granted for existing North Yorks natural gas site

The planning committee’s decision is the first authorisation for fracking – or hydraulic fracturing - in England since a ban on the technique was lifted in 2012.

Fracking is the process of creating fractures in rock formations to release the natural gas trapped inside. Fracturing fluid is released at high pressure into the rock formation to create millimetre-sized cracks. These cracks are held open by sand grains contained within the fluid, allowing the gas to flow into the wellbore and be collected at the surface.

In its deliberation, the planning committee said it is satisfied ‘that in this particular application, mitigation of the effects of the development with regard to safeguarding the natural environment, protected species and habitats, the amenity of local residents, the protection of ground and surface water quality and traffic management can be achieved through the discharge of the planning conditions.’’

According to Rasik Valand, chief executive of Third Energy, the application was made to establish if gas samples from the site - which has existing conventional gas drilling on it - could be made to flow; the process conditions required; and the length of time it would flow for.