An energy company is applying to start the planning process which can lead to fracking at a second site in north Nottinghamshire.
Island Gas is looking at land off Tinker Lane, between Barnby Moor and Blyth.
It has submitted a scoping request to Nottinghamshire County Council – the first step in the planning process towards shale gas development.
It is the second area the group has earmarked as a potential fracking site following a similar request for land in nearby Misson (pictured above) earlier this year.
The application is the company’s first step in preparing an Environmental Impact Assessment, which is compulsory if they are to submit a full planning application in the future.
The council’s planning department said it will take into account wildlife, road safety and noise when considering the scoping request.
This could mark the first of many steps
Sally Gill, the authority’s planning manager, said: “The submission of a scoping request could mark the first of many steps towards Island Gas submitting a full planning application for exploration of the Tinker Lane site.
“If a planning application is submitted for shale gas development in the future, as the local planning authority our role will be to consider how suitable the site is for any shale gas exploration. This will involve looking at how the proposals affect a range of issues such as wildlife, transport and water resources.”
Video: An example of a full fracking site being set up in North America
Island, also known as IGas, must secure separate approval from a range of other organisations including the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive to make sure the site will operate safely.
Fracking involves the hydraulic fracturing of rocks by pumping water and chemicals at high pressure to release gas to be used for energy.
It is already widely in use in North America, and several applications are now being considered across the UK.
Supporters say it can create energy at low cost and create jobs, but many environmental campaigners have opposed it, saying it can harm wildlife and cause pollution.
In Nottinghamshire campaign group Bassetlaw Against Fracking is already opposing the company’s interest in the district.
