FRACKING firm Cuadrilla was yesterday granted the environmental permits needed to drill for shale gas in Lancashire.

The news came as the county council extended its deadline for the company to provide new information supporting its planning applications for the controversial process to April 30.

This is to allow for consultation on new information relating to noise and traffic.

The Lancashire County Council’s Development Control Committee decided last week to defer decisions on Cuadrilla’s application to develop two sites in West Lancashire after the company offered new proposals to reduce their impact.

The applications are to drill, frack and test gas flows, at the sites at Preston New Road, at Little Plumpton, and Roseacre Wood, at Roseacre.

The committee is now set to make the decision in May.

The British Geological Society has identified East Lancashire’s M65 corridor from the north of Blackburn through to Burnley, Nelson and Colne and down the Rossendale Valley as sitting on reserves of shale gas.

Yesterday the Environment Agency granted the permits Cuadrilla needs to carry out operations at the two sites between Preston and Blackpool.

Its Lancashire manager Steve Molyneux said: “ I am confident that the strict controls set out in the permits to manage waste, safe flaring of gas and conditions to safeguard local water resources will ensure that people and the environment remain protected.”

Friends of the Earth’s North West campaigner Helen Rimmer said: “These permits will need serious scrutiny because of the high environmental risks of fracking, including air pollution, climate change and the creation of huge amounts of toxic waste water.” “Ultimately it is for elected councillors to decide whether Lancashire becomes the UK’s fracking guinea pig.”

“Their extension is yet another delay for the industry at a time when fracking is becoming increasingly unpopular and politically toxic. “Councillors must now listen to the mounting concerns and tens of thousands of objections.”

Cuadrilla chief executive Francis Egan, said: “We are pleased that the Environment Agency has granted our permits.”

for our proposed explorations.

“Following such a rigorous review and public consultation of all of our permit applications by the regulator.

“This unequivocally demonstrates that our proposed exploratory operations will be carried out responsibly ensuring the local environment is protected.

“We appreciate the extension until April 30 of the determination of our planning applications.

“This will ensure proper consideration is given to the additional information we have provided.”