THE FOREST Council has come down unequivocally against ‘fracking’ in the Dean.

Most of the Forest has been included as a potential area for the exploration and exploitation of shale gas, a process known as hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’.

A motion by the deputy leader of the Labour group on the council, Cllr Tim Gwilliam (Berry Hill) was unanimously backed with even Chair of the Council, Cllr Jane Horne (Con, Tibberton) taking the unusual step of joining the debate.

Cllr Gwilliam said: “I hope its a huge shout from the rooftops from this entire council – whether we’re red, purple, green or other – that with so many unknowns about this type of development, the Forest of Dean is simply not the place for fracking or any similar venture.”

A consultation on the impact of fracking on wildlife habitats of European importance ended last month.

The council’s Cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Marrilyn Smart (Con, English Bicknor and Christchurch), said if the Forest was identified as a potential area for fracking it could become a ‘test case’.

She said: “New planning rules state that the licences do not give absolute agreement to drill.

“Planning permission will be required from the local minerals authority (Gloucestershire County Council) as well as permits from the Environment Agency and sign-off from Health and Safety Executive.

“Ministers have also said that although there is not a total ban on drilling in beauty spots applications for unconventional oil and gas developments in national parks, the (Norfolk) Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and World Heritage Sites will be refused except in exceptional circumstances.

“As to the consultation on the habitats regulation amendments for the 14th onshore licensing round, where much of the Forest of Dean was identified as potential licensing areas, I believe this is a test case as our district is well-known to be a sensitive area which contains a large part of the Wye Valley AONB.”

She said she had met with Forest MP Mark Harper who had conveyed the concerns about fracking to ministers.

UKIP councillor Richard Leppington (Blakeney and Bream) said he welcomed the motion which would “send out a clear message that we feel fracking would be totally wrong in the Forest of Dean.”

He said fracking could damage the area’s vital tourism trade and would cost jobs in the longer term.

Cllr Chris McFarling (Green, Newland and St Briavels) said it “sends a tiny message of resistance to those who are keen to exploit unconventional fuels in our beloved Forest of Dean.”

He said renewable energy sources such as solar and wind could now “keep the lights on, houses warm and the wheels of industry turning.”

A Labour motion at Gloucestershire County Council last Friday to ask Environment Secretary Amber Rudd to remove the county from the list of licensed areas was defeated.

A call by the Liberal Democrats for the motion to be referred to the environment scrutiny committee was passed.