Inquiry starts into fracking firm Ineos' Woodsetts plans

Protesters turned out in the rain to make their point outside Riverside House before planning inspector Katie Peerless began hearing evidence.

Chemicals giant Ineos wants to drill a 2,800-metre exploratory well at Dinnington Road, which could lead to fracking.

The proposals — announced in 2017 — have been rejected twice by Rotherham Borough Council’s planning board.

And as the inquiry began, there was confusion over a three-metre acoustic fence added to the plans by Ineos.

Woodsetts Against Fracking said this would need a separate planning application and RMBC said it would still be above noise limits.

Outside the inquiry, village resident and parish councillor Phillip Clarke (65) said: “Our home is quiet, with very little traffic noise and the nights are almost silent.

“I consider the peacefulness of our surroundings essential for our health and wellbeing.

“The roadway to service the well will come within 40 metres of my home, so it’s inevitable that we will suffer noise, dirt and intimidation from a huge industry process.

“I’m concerned that the additional noise and stress will adversely affect my health, especially after my recent stroke.”

Andy Tickle, regional director of Campaign to Protect Rural England, called for the inquiry to be postponed in light of Ineos’ late submission - which was rejected.

The inquiry continues.