"The ramifications of overturning local planning decisions are huge and stretch way beyond the fracking argument..." Preston New Road Action Group
Today, Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Local Government and Communities, upheld an appeal by Cuadrilla for permission to frack Fylde, against the wishes of 100,000 objections and refusal of planning permission by Westby Parish Council, Fylde Borough Council and Lancashire County Council.
"That is neither right, nor fair and not least, it is wholly undemocratic" said Pat Davies, Chair of Preston New Road Action Group, in response "The ramifications of overturning local planning decisions are huge and stretch way beyond the fracking argument.
"Ordinary people are appalled that we are governed by people who say one thing and do another" she added "The callous disregard for local planning raises questions about whether local planning has any real purpose now. This Government has changed and introduced laws to facilitate the shale gas industry at every opportunity and yet it still hasn't gained acceptance from communities.
"Dismantling the democratic process to facilitate a dirty fossil fuel industry when only months ago the UK committed to climate change targets in Paris is another example of governmental hypocrisy" she reflected "We repose trust in our government to do the right thing and listen to the people it governs: that is democracy in action. This is a sad day, as it is clear to all that this Government neither listens nor can it be trusted to do the right thing for local communities. Profit clearly comes before people."
The Government ruling has huge implications for Salford and Greater Manchester, with Labour Party GM Mayor favourite, Andy Burnham, opposed to fracking and Salford Labour Party councillors and the Mayor whispering that they are also against it - although they said nothing at the time when the Barton Moss anti-fracking protests were happening.
The Preston New Road Action Group's assertion that the fracking ruling "raises questions about whether local planning has any real purpose now" is also pertinent to Salford as green belt release becomes potentially another huge issue in the city, with both Greater Manchester and the Government looking to concrete over parts of it.
In the meantime, the fracking decision in Fylde will have repercussions not just in Salford where IGas is eyeing up drill pads but throughout the country.
.JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
(3).jpeg)
.png)
(1).JPG)
