Shropshire looks safe from gas drilling tests as licence deadline looms

The area around Dudleston, near Ellesmere, is part of a drilling licence that has a clause requiring that a certain number of test drills be completed by a certain date, or else the licence has to be handed back to the Government.

The deadline to complete the test drills in the area is June 30, so unless there is an exceptional intervention, the licence will need to be handed back.

Last year campaign group Frack Free Dudleston claimed victory in its fight against plans to drill for coal-bed methane gas in the area. The plans were originally submitted to Shropshire Council in September 2014 by Dart Energy, which was later taken over by IGas Energy.

But after months without a decision, the energy company later submitted an appeal. The case then went to the Planning Inspectorate before it was eventually withdrawn in July when Dart's licence with the landowner ended.

Campaigner Chris Hesketh, of Frack Free Dudleston, said: "It is important that we breathe a sigh of relief. However we must also be mindful and supportive of other people who are still going through the battles.

"A public exchange of letters with Dart indicated that it didn't really understand the local geology considerations but was determined to press ahead anyway. There were huge numbers of well-written local objections, however the planning department recommended approval of the application, despite the weight of evidence to the contrary.

"Thankfully we have some excellent county councillors in north Shropshire who were willing to listen to the evidence and to defy their planning officers.

"Given that this may well be the final stage of the Dudleston campaign, all that remains is to thank our supporters for playing their part in a fantastic victory for democracy and common sense."

Gordon Grant, for IGas Energy, said the firm had no current "operational" plans in the Shropshire area.