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Council blocks Little Plumpton fracking application Council blocks Little Plumpton fracking application
(35 minutes later)
An application to start fracking at a site in Lancashire has been rejected. An application to start fracking at a site on the Fylde coast in Lancashire has been rejected by councillors.
Energy firm Cuadrilla wanted to extract shale gas at the site between Preston and Blackpool. Energy firm Cuadrilla wanted to extract shale gas at the Little Plumpton site between Preston and Blackpool.
The Little Plumpton bid had been recommended for approval by Lancashire County Council's planning officials, subject to working hours, noise control and highway matters. Lancashire County Council rejected the bid on the grounds of "unacceptable noise impact" and the "adverse urbanising effect on the landscape".
But councillors rejected the advice and have voted 10-4 to refuse the application. Cuadrilla said it was "surprised and disappointed" and would consider its "options regarding an appeal".
It followed a refusal motion which rejected the bid on the grounds of "unacceptable noise impact" and the "adverse urbanising effect on the landscape". 'Triumph for democracy'
A legal adviser had said any attempt to block fracking at the Little Plumpton site on environmental grounds would be "unreasonable" and costly. A spokesman added: "We remain committed to the responsible exploration of the huge quantity of natural gas locked up in the shale rock deep underneath Lancashire."
The Little Plumpton bid had been recommended for approval by the county council's planning officials, subject to working hours, noise control and highway matters.
But councillors rejected the advice and voted 10-4 to refuse the application.
A legal adviser had said any attempt to block fracking at the site on environmental grounds would be "unreasonable" and costly.
An application to start a fracking operation at Roseacre Wood was also rejected on Thursday.
Fracking - or hydraulic fracturing - was suspended in the UK in 2011 following earth tremors in Blackpool where Cuadrilla previously drilled.Fracking - or hydraulic fracturing - was suspended in the UK in 2011 following earth tremors in Blackpool where Cuadrilla previously drilled.
It is a technique in which water and chemicals are pumped into shale rock at high pressure to extract gas.It is a technique in which water and chemicals are pumped into shale rock at high pressure to extract gas.
BBC News Online reporter, Helen Carter At the scene
BBC News reporter, Helen Carter
For a moment, there was silence as the planning committee voted on a motion to turn down the Little Plumpton planning application.For a moment, there was silence as the planning committee voted on a motion to turn down the Little Plumpton planning application.
That was followed by a huge roar of approval and a boo as two councillors had abstained.That was followed by a huge roar of approval and a boo as two councillors had abstained.
People wept openly but they were tears of joy, not disappointment.People wept openly but they were tears of joy, not disappointment.
A chorus of "Frack free Lancashire" sounded outside County Hall. Then "Frack free world."A chorus of "Frack free Lancashire" sounded outside County Hall. Then "Frack free world."
Fylde deputy mayor Karen Speak said she felt like she had won the lottery.Fylde deputy mayor Karen Speak said she felt like she had won the lottery.
Jamie Peters of Friends of the Earth wept and said it "shows people power has worked." He said it had been grassroots campaigning. "The councillors have listened to what people want," he said.Jamie Peters of Friends of the Earth wept and said it "shows people power has worked." He said it had been grassroots campaigning. "The councillors have listened to what people want," he said.
Chris Riley from Kirkham said it was brilliant they had overturned both decisions, adding: "We were hoping they would, but they couldn't possibly go ahead with the damage it would cause."Chris Riley from Kirkham said it was brilliant they had overturned both decisions, adding: "We were hoping they would, but they couldn't possibly go ahead with the damage it would cause."
Another protester said: "It is brilliant. But this is just round one."Another protester said: "It is brilliant. But this is just round one."
Greenpeace UK energy and climate campaigner Daisy Sands said the decision was "a Waterloo for the fracking industry" and a "triumph for local democracy".
She added: "Lancashire councillors deserve huge praise for standing up to the relentless pressure from the fracking lobby and their minister friends.
"Their decision sends a powerful signal to other councils that the fracking juggernaut can indeed be stopped."