Protests over fracking as new policies announced on energy projects

The SNP has announced new policies aimed at protecting communities from controversial energy projects, at the same time as protests were held about the practice of 'fracking' and gas extraction in Scotland.

WWF Scotland welcomed changes to planning policy which were announced on Saturday by the Scottish Government.

Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse said these were being put forward to strengthen the planning system when considering "unconventional" extractions of oil and gas across Scotland.

As he announced the changes he also stressed "There are no environmental permissions which would allow hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Scotland at this time."

The new Scottish planning policy, which comes into place next year, will reinforce the need for environmental and community protection when considering projects aiming to extract oil and gas by unconventional methods.

In addition it will introduce the need for an "adequate" buffer zone to be established around any such projects, and make clear that the planning system must "minimise the impacts of extractions" on communities.

Campaigners against fracking gathered in Perth during the SNP conference on Saturday to protest against the practice.

Communities and environmental groups called on the Scottish Government to be the first in the UK to ban unconventional gas, to mark the second ever Global Frackdown Day.

They highlighted areas of the country they said were under threat from gas companies.

They included Airth, near Falkirk, where an application has been lodged for commercial coalbed methane extraction by Australian company Dart Energy.

Mary Church, Friends of the Earth Scotland Head of Campaigns, said: "The SNP already know that unconventional gas is unnecessary here in Scotland, and it is clear from countries where the industry is more developed that it is unsafe.

" We attended the SNP conference on Global Frackdown Day, along with communities facing these developments on their doorsteps, to show the Government that it is also unwanted."

“While today’s announcement isn’t the ban we want, it is a firm step in the right direction and a huge problem for Dart Energy’s current plans for drilling for gas in Scotland. Dart should just give up now.

"We welcome the Government's recognition that buffer zones are necessary to protect communities from the worst impacts of gas drilling and fracking, and urge them to go further and join France, Ireland, the Netherlands and others in putting a stop to all fracking and unconventional gas activity. If Scotland is to play its part in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, we need to leave this fossil fuel in the ground."

WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: "This is without doubt a set-back for those hoping to exploit shale gas in Scotland. We welcome this commitment and hope it is just the first of several steps ministers will take to begin to close the door on all new fossil fuels developments in Scotland.

"In the interests of tackling climate change and delivering climate justice we urgently need to be leaving fossil fuels, including shale gas, in the ground."

Mr Wheelhouse said the proposals showed the Scottish Government was listening to both local communities and environmental campaigners.

He stated: "Any proposals for the extraction of unconventional oil and gas extraction are considered through the planning process and the appropriate regulatory regimes.

"In considering such proposals it is important that the views of the local communities, and the impact on the environment are given due consideration in the planning process. Today's announcement of a strengthening of the planning rules in relation to unconventional oil and gas, through provision of buffer zones, highlights that this government listens to local communities and those calling for stronger environmental protection."

He said that while the UK Government's Department of Energy and Climate Change issued licences to those seeking to extract oil or gas from specific areas, these licences did not give consent for drilling, with companies still required to get planning permission before any exploration or development work could go ahead.