Fracking, the controversial process for extracting shale gas, is now set to go ahead at Kirby Misperton after environmentalists and local residents lost a legal challenge they had brought on climate change grounds.
This morning (Tuesday), the high court ruled against Friends of the Earth and Frack Free Ryedale, who had argued that North Yorkshire county council had failed to properly consider the environmental impact of burning gas when it approved Third Energy’s application back in May. That earlier decision had been taken in the face of widespread public opposition from residents and environmental groups.
Kirby Misperton becomes the first site in North Yorkshire to see fracking and only the second in the entire UK (after the Fylde, Lancashire).
The decision will come as a severe blow to residents, FrackFree Ryedale, Friends of the Earth and all the others who have been campaigning to halt fracking.
Independent reporting on this story, with reaction from both camps, can be found HERE.