Just sent this to the Chief Executive of ERYC pre demo that was held on Saturday 4th July 2014. Sent via ERYC Customer Service Centre 3rd July 2014. Dear Nigel Pearson In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, I would like responses to the following questions. 1. You have allowed explorative gas and oil drilling by Rathlin which includes a mini hydraulic fracking test. If it shown following this test that there is potential for hydraulic fracking and shale gas removal in and around this area, will you as a council, be allowing hydraulic fracking and shale gas removal within your county council boundary? 2. Are you aware, following all the numerous studies, that fossil fuel extraction by hydraulic fracking is the most dangerous method of fossil fuel extraction known to man? There are numerous studies on the effect of fossil fuel extraction by hydraulic fracturing, maybe you should read these studies before making a decision on allowing hydraulic fracturing within the council boundary. 3. Are you aware that the overwhelming consensus of your employees, namely, the people of the East Riding of Yorkshire are against the prospect of fracking in this area? Should you go ahead with hydraulic fracturing in this area then you are going against the wishes of the people of the East Riding of Yorkshire, your employers, and are acting in a State Capitalist and non democratic manner? Should you continue to proceed along this course of action, then it can only be seen as the East Riding of Yorkshire Council is not acting in accordance with its constituents and employers in a democratic manner. Should this be the case, then the people will no longer recognise the East Riding of Yorkshire Council as a democratic council as the East Riding of Yorkshire Council will be seen to be acting in a totalitarian, fascist and state capitalist manner as stated and all payments to said council would be stopped as they would no longer be recognised as a council acting in the democratic interests of the people they are elected to serve. I wait for a response . The response received from Andy Wainwright Strategic Development Services Manager I refer to your email dated 7th July 2014 addressed to the Chief Executive Mr Nigel Pearson. In response to the questions you raise I would like to make the following points. 1. A separate planning application would be required if Rathlin Energy wished to commercially extract any oil/gas or shale gas from their existing borehole sites. This would be subject to full consultation with the local community and statutory consultees such as the Environment Agency. You would also be able to make comments on any planning application and your views would be taken into consideration by the planning officer when making their recommendation. I expect, given the controversial nature of hydraulic fracking, that any such application would be determined by the Councils Planning Committee. 2. I am aware that there are numerous studies about the pros and cons of shale gas exploration; 3. As I have outlined in 1. above any proposal for commercial shale gas extraction would be subject to a planning application. The planning system is open and transparent and it has to make what are sometimes difficult decisions against a range of competing interests. Please rest assured that any decision taken by the Planning Committee will be fair, balanced and democratic. I hope this provides a satisfactory response to the points you have made. If you require clarification or any further information please do not hesitate in contacting me Yours sincerely Andy Wainwright Strategic Development Services Manager. East Riding of Yorkshire Council Direct Telephone: 01482 393730
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 11:56:19 +0000