Politicians in Hull are opposing government plans to take decision-making over fracking schemes away from local councils.
Ministers are proposing removing the need for energy companies to apply for planning permission to carry out exploratory non-hydraulic methods of testing for the presence of underground shale gas.
Instead, they say fracking firms should be given automatic development rights to drill test bore holes as long as all the work is carried out within four days.
The idea is part of a national public consultation and has already been fiercely criticised by environmental groups.
Now councillors on Hull City Council’s planning committee have added their voice to the objections. They have unanimously backed a formal objection from the authority.
Councillor Diana Hatcher said: “This would override local decision-making.”
Council planning manager Alex Codd said the prospect of any fracking application coming forward in Hull was “highly unlikely” because of its built-up nature.
But he said applications were more likely in some areas of the neighbouring East Riding and, as such, it was right for the impact of any potential testing sites to be assessed through a normal planning process.
Councillor Sean Chaytor said the objection to the idea reflected the city council’s existing policy to oppose all forms of fracking in Hull.
East Riding councillors have also spoke out against the proposal to remove the requirement to submit planning applications for shale gas exploration.
This article originally appeared on HullLive
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