No reason why plans to drill for gas in Shropshire should be blocked, say energy bosses

Dart Energy has provided more detail about its plans to drill an exploratory borehole for coal-bed methane extraction in Dudleston, near Ellesmere, after councillors delayed making a final decision in December.

Councillors said they could not decide on whether to support the application until they were given more information about noise levels, pollution and impact on private water supplies.

But Douglas Bain, on behalf of the energy company, has said: "I believe that all environmental matters can be satisfactorily addressed through the use of planning conditions.

"I believe we have submitted, in detail, all information required to make a decision on this application."

At the north planning meeting last month, councillors raised fears over the possible pollution from failure of a nearby slurry lagoon.

Members of the committee were concerned that if the lagoon containing cow manure and water was damaged in any way – potentially by the vibration or collision of vehicles visiting the site – pollution could be a serious problem.

But Mr Bain said "risk of lagoon damage is low". He said no environmental body had mentioned this as a concern and that there would be measures in place to minimise the risk.

The energy company has also offered reassurance on noise levels, saying it is "committed" to providing a noise barrier to reduce effects on nearby homes.

Mr Bain said that any further concerns over noise could be dealt with by including conditions with the planning permission. He added that there are no private water supplies near the development with the nearest about 500m away.

Hundreds of campaigners against the plans attended the meeting in December, hoping for a final decision to halt the plans whilst local campaign group Frack Free Dudleston has said the plans are "madness".

The application can be viewed on Shropshire Council's website and will be discussed on a date to be decided.