Homeowners put at risk over fracking decision, says CLA

CLA North Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn

The Government’s controversial decision to allow fracking to take place below people’s homes without their permission will put home and land owners in the North at risk, says the CLA.

The association says that by rejecting 40,000 objections to controversial changes to trespass law, ministers have failed to properly tackle the issue of long-term liability leaving landowners at risk long after drilling has stopped.

The organisation said DECC’s response to the Underground Drilling Access Consultation makes clear that the Government plans to progress with changes that allow the shale gas and geothermal industries to drill deep underneath property without the owner’s permission, but it does not make clear who is liable if things go wrong.

CLA North Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn said: “It is greatly concerning that there continues to be a lack of information from the Government regarding long term liability. No assurances have been given to home and property owners that they are fully protected from losses or claims for damages should issues arise.

“Oil and gas operator interest in the land is relatively short term and there seems to be little protection for landowners should problems occur when operators become insolvent or are no longer in business decades down the line.”

Miss Fairburn added: “The number of responses to this consultation shows the high level of interest in the development of the shale gas industry in the UK. Considering that 99 percent of respondents opposed the legal changes, we are deeply disappointed that the Government isn’t prepared to take a more balanced approach, better recognising existing property rights.”