Plans to drill for gas in Shropshire scrapped by developers
Controversial plans to drill for gas in the Shropshire countryside have finally been scrapped after developers confirmed they are no longer interested in the site.
Dart Energy said it has decided not to progress with its scheme to drill for coal bed methane in Dudleston, near Ellesmere.
It comes weeks after the developer missed a contractual deadline to start work on the site and the landowner said he was reluctant to extend the arrangement.
The news has been met with great relief from residents who launched a 12-month campaign to have the plans scrapped.
Chris Hesketh, member of campaign group Frack Free Dudleston, said: "During the past year we have seen the effectiveness of a united community.
"It has been thoroughly heartening to see everyone showing themselves willing to speak out against this unreasonable threat.
"We are overjoyed by the news that our fight is over and we wish for similarly good news for other communities that are being threatened by this industry."
Dart Energy put in the plans last year but when Shropshire Council failed to make a quick decision the energy company appealed.
The final decision on whether or not to grant permission was due to lie with a government planning inspector following a planning inquiry, but this is no longer going to go ahead.
Gordon Grant, IGas Energy spokesman, said: "Following the completion of the acquisition of Dart Energy late last year, IGas Energy has been undertaking a comprehensive review of all Dart licenses.
"As a result of this review, IGas has concluded that the licence area, PEDL 185, does not meet its criteria for commercial coal bed methane development.
"It has, therefore, decided not to progress with the proposed exploration drilling project at the Dudleston site in Shropshire."
