The U.K. has rejected the second shale gas exploration project by Cuadrilla Resources which had the potential of being one of the U.K.'s first shale gas production sites, Monday.
The rejection for exploration at Preston New Road in Lancashire, in the northwest of England came just four days after local authorities refused the company's previous application for shale gas exploration in Roseacre Wood near Blackpool in northwest England.
“We are surprised and disappointed that Lancashire County Council’s Development Control Committee has denied planning consent for our application to explore for shale gas at Preston New Road,' the company's statement read.
A negative decision was returned despite the company's claims that it completed 'the most comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments ever carried out for operations of this kind.'
The officers went through the 4,000 page Environmental Statement that accompanied the company's application and conducted widespread public consultation, which led to their positive recommendation, the company said.
The company announced their intention to consider all options regarding an appeal for the two rejected applications, the recent project at Preston New Road and at Roseacre Wood which was rejected on June 25, Cuadrilla said.
“It is regrettable that the County Council has decided not to support this application in the face of positive recommendation from all regulators and their own officers,' Cuadrilla concluded.
By Zeynep Beyza Karabay
Anadolu Agency
zeynep.karabay@aa.com.tr