A second application for exploratory drilling for shale gas in Nottinghamshire – which could lead on to fracking – is to be decided by councillors.
The bid applies to land off Tinker Lane between Barnby Moor and Blyth, near Worksop, and will be considered by Nottinghamshire County Council next week.
The application is for exploratory drilling to check the rock for shale gas extraction. If the gas is found this could lead a second application for fracking to take place.
It comes after a similar application for another stretch of land in Bassetlaw from a different firm was approved in November.
Drilling will take place for four months if the application is approved for the land, which currently is being used as open farm land.
The council says it has already received almost 800 individual representations objecting to the application and one petition with 2,869 signatures.
As part of the proposals, Dart Energy is seeking permission to drill one exploratory well 3,300 metres deep to take samples of rock for analysis.
Sally Gill, Planning Manager for Nottinghamshire County Council said: “The Government’s national planning policies are very clear that shale gas development should be supported as it provides an opportunity to create new sources of home grown energy for the UK.
“However, the council’s Planning and Licensing Committee needs to be satisfied that individual shale gas applications are an acceptable use of land in any particular location.
“We have consulted local people and statutory organisations, extending our normal consultation period from 31 days to 56 days in light of the interest in the proposal.”
Shale gas development is tightly regulated in the UK and requires planning permission from the council, together with approvals, checks and permits from the Environment Agency, Health and Safety Executive and the Oil and Gas Authority.
According to figures, since 1939, 27 per cent of the UK’s total number of onshore oil and gas wells have been drilled in Nottinghamshire.
County councillors will be debate the Dart Energy plan on Tuesday, March 21 at County Hall before making a final decision.
