Reuters: UK planning law could fast-track shale gas: Wynn

A proposed law could ease British planning regulations for shale gas developers after the country gave the green light for a resumption of exploration last week, but local support will be vital for even limited production.

A high population density in much of the European Union and Britain is partly responsible for planning regulations which include detailed public consultation which in the present form will test the development of a shale gas industry in its infancy.

The complexity of the planning process in Britain is illustrated by the efforts taken by the main present explorer, Cuadrilla, to drill six exploratory wells in the north west of England.

The private-equity-backed company has submitted at least 18 separate planning applications, local government data show, and has dealt with 31 British national planning policies on issues including the environment, oil and gas production and water quality.

The company has not produced any gas by fracking to date.  MORE