Fracking firm Ineos wins appeal to drill in Harthill

Objectors has argued that the plan for land off Common Lane would be detrimental to the environment and pose road safety problems.

Ineos by-passed the local planning board process — claiming RMBC took too long to decide — and went straight to appeal.

Andy Tickle, South Yorkshire director at the Campaign to Protect Rural England, called the decision a kick in the teeth for campaigners and the council, who understood the “overwhelming” public view that the drill rig was unwanted.

He added: “We were pleased that the inspector recognised the local impacts on landscape and ecology but are worried that the impacts of the lorries on local country lanes has been severely underestimated.

“We certainly do not agree that the Government’s desire to exploit this unsustainable energy source should mean that industrialising the countryside is acceptable.”

The council opposed the plan during the eight-day inquiry but was criticised by some anti-fracking campaigners for presenting a weak case.

The authority withdrew its environmental complaint during the hearing and its highways department was happy with a last-minute traffic plan from Ineos.

Planning inspector Stephen Roscoe said: “I have found that the development could have a negative, but not significant, impact on features of biodiversity. 

“The development would detract from, and be harmful to, the landscape and visual character of the surrounding area. 

“These matters would not however outweigh the benefits from the investigation proposed in terms of future energy supplies, to which I give great weight.”

Mr Roscoe said the planning conditions attached to the drilling plan would make the development safe.

The drilling could lead to a future application for fracking at the site if underground shale conditions are found to be suitable.

Rother Valley MP Kevin Barron said he was very disappointed by the inquiry decision.