A government decision is expected later on two applications to frack for shale gas on the Fylde.



Permission to drill at Preston New Road and Rosacre Wood have been the subject of an appeal by the energy firm Cuadrilla, after the plans submitted in mid-2014 were rejected by the county council last year.

Following a six week public inquiry earlier this year, a planning inspector submitted their report to Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, who will take the final decision.

It will be closely watched by other companies looking to carry out fracking in the UK.

Environmentalists and residents are opposed to the applications amid pollution and health concerns.

Campaigners also argue fracking for fossil fuels is not compatible with tackling climate change and the focus should be on renewables.

But the Government has previously said it is going "all out for shale" arguing it can boost the UK's energy security and economy.

When she took over as Prime Minister, Theresa May launched a consultation which could see home owners receive individual payments for fracking wells drilled nearby.

Although estimates of UK shale resources vary, Britain may have 20 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable gas, or about eight times consumption in 2014, according to the US energy department.

Fracking involves pumping liquid deep underground at high pressure to fracture rock and release gas.

Cuadrilla technical director Andrew Quarles has said he is "confident" the applications will be approved.

If given the go-ahead, production work could start within 18 months.