Cuadrilla Announces Planning Application for Preston New Road

Cuadrilla Resources announced it would submit a planning application to hydraulically fracture at its exploration site at Preston New Road in Lancashire. The company plans to do so by the end of the month.

“This application could be a really important milestone for Lancashire and the UK as we seek to unlock Lancashire’s shale gas potential.  The development of the shale gas industry has the potential to bring significant investment, community benefits and opportunities for local people and the North West and UK economies,” Francis Egan, Cuadrilla’s Chief Executive, said in a note released on Monday.

The company said it worked on an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), taking also into consideration the in-loco ‘extensive public consultation.’ The Environmental Impact Assessment is not compulsory.

‘Once the planning application for Preston New Road has been validated by Lancashire County Council, it is anticipated the application will be decided within a 16 week determination period,’ reads the press release.

The company committed to a stable communication of its activities. It said it would write to local residents, reporting the future plans in the area and the evidences of the public engagement process.