Planning process for shale gas development

Licences required before fracking can be undertaken

The Government, in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and subsequent planning practice guidance for onshore oil and gas, has set out a clear planning process for the extraction of oil and gas and unconventional hydrocarbons including coal bed methane and shale gas.

Companies involved in the exploration for hydrocarbons must obtain the relevant permissions or licences from the following key regulators:

Other bodies such as the Coal Authority may also be involved.