Decision on gas drilling in Shropshire could take until 2016

The news comes as parties involved in the inquiry into plans to operate an exploratory borehole for coal bed methane extraction were given an extension of time to pull their case together.

Dart Energy put in the plans last year for a site in in Dudleston Heath near Ellesmere but when Shropshire Council failed to make a quick decision on the scheme, the energy company appealed.

It means the final decision now lies with a government planning inspectorate.

But leader of campaign group Frack Free Dudleston Chris Hesketh has revealed this decision may not be made by the end of the year.

He said: "We haven't got a date for the inquiry yet.

"The extension of time is just to submit a case, and a lot has to be done before the inquiry.

"There were talks it might be next year.

"I would be amazed if there was a decision before Christmas.

"There are four different diaries to consider and a date has to be found when all four can have the inquiry which can be a number of days."

Parties have been given until August 9 to put together their case before a public inquiry which will see Shropshire Council, Dart Energy and Frack Free Dudleston given the opportunity to put forward a case, call witnesses and cross-examine other witnesses and evidence.

Mr Hesketh said this time extension could be good news for the fight against the plans, which were first submitted in September last year.

He said: "The extension has been agreed to give Shropshire Council more time for their case – which I have heard is a very good case.

"It means we also have extra time and can go over and refine our case more and more.

"We are absolutely fine with it.

"What matters is that the right decision is made, not how long it takes to make that decision."

The delay would mean it could be nearly two years since the plans were first submitted before a decision is finally made.

It follows a number of changes to the appeal process which saw it downgraded to be being dealt with both through a hearing and through written representations.

The latest grading of public inquiry will see it go through the most formal procedure where the plans will be discussed in more detail.

Mr Hesketh said: "I don't think people are getting impatient, they realise there is a lot to be done.

He said: "We don't get an instant decision either – it can take days, or weeks or sometimes months after the inquiry has been held before a decision is made.

"I very much doubt a decision by the end of the year."

Gordon Grant, a spokesman for Dart Energy, said he "absolutely agrees" that the most important thing is the correct decision is made, and added that going through the stages was important, regardless of the length of time it takes.