ANTI-fracking campaigners are concerned the way could be laid open for more plans to drill in the Forest, despite the decision by a company not to proceed with its proposals.

Frack Off Our Forest (FOOF) says the draft of the Gloucestershire minerals plan in its current form could leave the area open to more proposals until 2032.

The group is calling on local people to raise objections to the plan with Gloucestershire County Council.

The plan will also cover mineral extraction and would guide quarrying in the Forest and other parts of Gloucestershire.

A county council spokeswoman said: “As the minerals planning authority, the council is responsible for preparing the minerals local plan which, once adopted, will provide a framework for planning and other minerals-related decisions.

“Included in the draft plan is the policy on mineral extraction which includes limestone, sand, gravel, clay, coal, oil and gas.

“Possible sites where mineral extraction could be allowed to happen in the future are included within the minerals local plan – however, this does not automatically mean these sites will be used.

“The plan also includes a draft policy on applications for fracking. “Currently the council has not received any applications, but the government has granted licences for fracking in Gloucestershire so future applications are a possibility.”

Owen Adams of FOOF said: “Frack Off Our Forest is very concerned that not only will any fracking or gas exploration applications made until 2032 be recommended for approval, but that planners have not acknowledged the major dangers of drilling locally regarding subsidence, flooding and water contamination issues because of the underground voids left by extensive deep mining, as outlined by our supporter, mining surveyor Paul Morgan and backed up by scientific studies.

“The draft plan only mentions coalbed me­thane and not shale gas exploration – into shales within the limestone surrounding and under the Forest of Dean coalfield – which were to be investigated by the now-vanquished licence holder South Western Energy.

“We understand the restraints the national planning framework puts on planners and councillors so they have to presume in favour of fracking – although this is an infringement of our civil rights and undemocratic – but the current draft does not offer adequate restraints or safeguards.

“As individual representations carry more weight than a group response, we are encouraging our 7,000-plus supporters to each contribute, and also help amass information and challenges which keep within planning laws.

“We only have until November 24 to protect our Forest from a threat that will loom over us until 2032.”

To comment on the plan, visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/draftMLP, drop into any library or the Forest of Dean District Council offices.

A debate on fracking is planned by the Green Party at the Watney Hall, Lydney on Thursday, October 13 at 7.30pm.