A party leader has called for the county council to hold a full public consultation on a controversial gas extraction process which can cause small earthquakes.
Labour councillor Robin Stuchbury has tabled a motion calling for the council to consult on the environmental impact of possible fracking sites.
Land between Aylesbury and Winslow has been earmarked as a potential shale gas reserve and the Vale is currently under consultation as a potential ‘onshore’ gas site to be licenced.
Mr Stuchbury’s motion reads: “In light of Government Policy on the extraction of shale gas by the fracking method I ask this council to consider the incorporation of fracking sites in the forthcoming Mineral Local Plan.
“To enter into a full public consultation on the environmental and other implications of any applicable sites; to investigate the related effects on an area of granting a licence; to look into the implications of the council granting (or not granting) planning permission when the Environment Agency may have a contrary view.
“The matter should be debated by council both before and after consultation with the general public.”
Mr Stuchbury’s motion will go before full council on Thursday.
