Planning guidance on fracking inquiry

The CLG Committee is to examine whether guidance for local authorities taking planning decisions on fracking applications needs to be updated or improved. The inquiry on the planning guidance for hydraulic fracturing or shale gas extraction will also focus on whether there needs to be a comprehensive document bringing all existing guidance together, for all those involved in the planning process. The Committee will also consider whether applications for fracking should be determined by the national planning regime rather than at a local level. The Committee is inviting written submissions on the following questions: Is there the need to update and improve the guidance available? Is there the need for a comprehensive document incorporating existing and updated guidance? What is the status – in planning terms – of the extant Government guidance? Should applications for fracking be dealt with as national infrastructure under the 2008 Planning Act? If you have any queries please contact the Inquiry Manager: Jenny Burch, Second Clerk .