Written Ministerial Statements on energy and planning policy made on 17 May 2018 announced a range of facilitating measures for shale gas development, but also committed to strengthen community engagement. Therefore the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is now consulting on whether applicants should be required to conduct a pre-application consultation with the local community prior to submitting a planning application for shale gas development in England.
In the past, unsafe fracking has been identified as one of the triggers for earthquakes that could damage heritage, so the consultation is also significant for the heritage sector.
The consultation closes at 11:45pm on 7 January 2019.