Farming UK: Government 'not recognising landowner concerns' over fracking developments

The Country Land and Business Association has written to Energy Minister Mathew Hancock expressing their concern that the government is failing to recognise that landowner's rights are being infringed by shale gas developments.

The letter was sent in response to the government's Underground Drilling Access consultation which the CLA believes does not 'provide adequate protection' where rights are infringed.

The letter highlights that CLA members own or manage “a significant proportion of land situated above unconventional oil and gas reserves” and that while the organisation recognises the “strong economic arguments” for the development of shale gas, concerns remain about proposed changes to access. The CLA says the Government’s response does not address the issue of long-term liabilities and how landowners will be protected from any liabilities.
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