Dear Constituent,

Thank you for your correspondence regarding fracking.

As you are aware, a consultation has been launched to consider whether the early stages of shale exploration should be treated as permitted development, and in particular the circumstances where this might be appropriate. This would allow early exploratory work to proceed without requiring planning applications, which has provoked a great deal of worry.

Actual fracking, however, cannot and under these proposals would still not be allowed to take place without the usual planning permission of the local authority, as is completely right.

The most important thing is that the wishes and desires of local residents, workers, and businesses are complied with. I am always happy to support local residents whenever they are opposed to fracking applications, and fracking – while safe – must never be allowed where it is not wanted and where there is significant opposition.

Thank you again for taking the time to write to me.

Yours,

EDWARD LEIGH MP