Fracking planning applications guidelines - CIEH comment
CIEH
| Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
Following the news that the government have announced they will introduce new guidance that will fast track fracking planning applications, Gary McFarlane of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), said:
“Whilst we recognise the energy security challenges facing the UK, we’re concerned that there still remains insufficient evidence to confirm that all the potential risks associated with this process can be suitably reduced and managed within acceptable levels.
“The planning system is well-established and elected local representatives place the health and wellbeing of their constituents and the environment around them at the forefront of considerations when assessing applications. Indeed, such planning matters should follow the principle of subsidiarity and democracy.
“Councils therefore do not need to be placed under undue pressure from the government to fast-track fracking applications, especially when we do not know all the consequences from the extraction of shale gas.”
