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Shale Gas Extraction

Shale Gas Extraction. Practical Matters John Hollister. Introduction. Processing applications for planning permission to carry out unconventional hydrocarbon extraction can present special challenges for Planning Authorities. Two issues in particular:

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Shale Gas Extraction

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  1. Shale Gas Extraction Practical Matters John Hollister

  2. Introduction Processing applications for planning permission to carry out unconventional hydrocarbon extraction can present special challenges for Planning Authorities. Two issues in particular: • how to determine applications in a timely an appropriate manner when faced with a large number of representations / enquiries from the public and associated elected member concerns; and • how to ensure that the needs of District / Borough Council elected members and officers are met in two tier Local Government areas – when the application is determined by the County Council. Will give some brief pointers before opening both topics up for discussion. Then will compare the outcome with interviews we have conducted with various authorities.

  3. Managing Controversial Applications Suggested discussion points: Informing the debate • local authority engagement; • applicant engagement; and • officer and elected member training. Efficient working (post submission) • smart systems; and • resources (are Planning Performance Agreements the answer ?). Decision making • elected member briefings and attendance by the regulators at Committee; and • leadership.

  4. Two Tier Local Government Areas Suggested discussion points: District / Borough Council engagement • officer and elected member training; • officer participation in MPA pre-application discussions; and • officer participation in EIA screening and scoping. Participation in MPA elected member briefing sessions Ownership and accountability Elevating the District / Borough Council’s role at the consultation Stage.

  5. URS interviews with MPAs

  6. Managing Controversial Applications (1) Telephone interviews with: • Lancashire CC • Derbyshire CC • Hampshire CC • South Downs NPA • West Sussex CC Common Themes • logging counting and filing of representations done manually – time consuming; • website functionality is an issue; • only consultee responses uploaded on website - replies not sent; • resource requirement major problem – often met by diverting staff from other work; • FAQ sheets and links on website.

  7. Managing Controversial Applications (2) Other Points • ‘Lancashire Shale Gas Group’ meets every two months - aim is to circulate information / knowledge - Environment Agency, District Councils, DECC, Police, LCC emergency planning and HSE all attend; • LCC has not led any focus group type events yet - does not want to be seen as promoting the shale gas industry; • HCC and WSCC intention to establish new oil and gas site liaison panels or similar at the pre-application stage; • HCC and WSCC held oil and gas conferences in 2014; • WSCC dedicated oil, gas exploration and fracking news page on website; and • WSCC has facilitated a number of training workshops for elected members.

  8. Two Tier Local Government Areas (1) Common Themes • District / Borough elected members and officers invited to LCC elected member training sessions (DECC and HSE also sometimes invited); and • rely on formal consultation process with District / Borough Councils. Other Points • FlydeBorough Council has set up its own scrutiny panel to assess applications; • trend for Districts in Lancashire and West Sussex not provide a recommendation either positive or negative - instead tend to highlight the issues that they consider should be focussed on and leave it to CC to decide; • LCC has appointed consultants to provide the advice normally given by the EHOs; and • Districts in West Sussex have asked the CC for further help with training of officers and elected members.

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