CPRE responded to the Government consultation on permitted development for shale gas exploration. Classifying shale gas exploration as 'permtited development' would remove the need for full planning permission, effectively removing local council's decision-making powers. Permitted development is intended for developments that can guarantee no unreasonable impact on the locality - like erecting a conservatory, not drilling for shale gas. 

We argued strongly that this proposal would reduce local decision-making and communities' involvement in these decisions, and represents a distortion of the planning system.

The consultation response outlines why we think local authorities should retain decision-making powers on exploratory fracking.

We also supported the response to the consultation from Wildlife and Countryside Link.