Shale gas explorer Cuadrilla is to appeal Lancashire County Council's rejection of its application to frack wells at two sites.
Cuadrilla, part-owned by Centrica (LON:CNA) wanted drill up to four exploration wells at Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood, but was turned down even though the council’s planning officer concluded the applications met all environmental and planning guidelines.
The Planning Officer had recommended rejection of the application at Roseacre Wood on traffic grounds and Cuadrilla said it would now reroute its transport plans to avoid local villages.
Cuadrilla faced fierce local opposition to its plans and chief executive Francis Egan said he understood why some people might not want it to appeal.
He added the company was committed to engaging with local communities to reassure them that exploratory operations can be carried out safely and in an environmentally responsible way.
“I am confident that we will demonstrate to Lancashire and the UK that shale gas exploration and fracking is not only safe but represents a very real opportunity.”
The trade body for the UK onshore gas industry, UKOOG, welcomed Cuadrilla’s decision.
Ken Cronin, UKOOG’s chief executive, said: "We welcome Cuadrilla's decision to appeal against the planning decisions at both of its sites in Fylde. These appeals are a normal part of the planning process in the UK.”