A consultation on proposed planning reforms for exploratory shale
gas development in England has been launched by the government
today (19 July 2018).
Seeking views on early proposals looking at the principle of
whether to designate exploratory drilling for shale gas resources
as a new form of permitted development, it would mean that
planning consent would not be required.
With the government committed to ensuring that strong safeguards
are in place, any new permitted development right would have to
abide by both environmental and site protection laws and would
not apply to exploratory drilling in sensitive areas (such as
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
Exploratory drilling for shale deposits are treated separately to
full hydraulic shale gas extraction, both will remain subject to
strict planning and environmental controls.
The 14-week consultation, open until 25 October 2018, will make
sure that those with an interest in shale development can have
their say and input their views.
The government will then analyse the comments and issue its
response later in 2018.
Background
A further consultation on any specific legislative reforms will
follow the government’s response if these are required.
Government will also consult on whether developers should be
required to undertake pre-application community engagement prior
to submitting a planning application for shale gas development.
This consultation will be launched in autumn 2018.
View the consultation
document on Gov.uk
The consultation follows the publication of a written ministerial
statement on the 17 May 2018, in which the government announced a
range of measures to facilitate timely decision making on shale
exploration planning applications.
