Issue details

The Planning Development Group, as part of the Highways, Transport and Environment Service, is responding to Government consultation on the inclusion of shale gas projects in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime:

The County Council as Minerals Planning Authority (MPA) does not agree that shale gas production projects should be included in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime. The MPA considers that the novel, controversial and industrial nature together with the scale and likely significant environmental impacts of unconventional hydrocarbon development warrants continued and full involvement of existing local democratic structures and the established plan-led system in determining whether such development should be granted planning permission. This would allow for the continued proper management of major mineral development in Surrey by the Minerals Planning Authority in accordance with the Development Plan (and any other material considerations) so as to meet the needs and expectations of its communities.