Farming UK: Government not respecting property rights over fracking, says CLA

The CLA has accused the Government of having too little regard for property rights and long-term liabilities to meet the demands of energy industry investors in its enthusiasm to realise shale gas extraction.

The Association submitted its response to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) Consultation on Underground Drilling Access which proposes removing the need for landowner consent for underground works associated with oil, gas and geothermal heat exploration.

CLA President Henry Robinson said: “The CLA is not opposed to the development of the UK’s shale gas and geothermal resources, but as an organisation dealing with land ownership and property rights we have serious concerns with these proposals. The consultation is extremely one-sided, squarely aimed at meeting the demands of the energy industry while disregarding the rights and concerns of UK property owners.
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