To reconsider the following Motion adjourned at the meeting held on 16 July 2014:

This Council opposes changes to the trespass laws in the Queens speech which will allow companies involved in fracking, which pumps water and chemicals in to shale rock deep underground to release methane gas, to drill under homes without needing permission.

These laws hastily changed at the same time as a recent poll showed 75% public are opposed to fracking.

Public concerns raised include risk of earth tremors, contamination of ground and surface water, release of greenhouse gases and noise pollution for residents living in the vicinity. All these are genuine concerns, whilst at the same time it is recognised that the most optimistic forecast suggest that shale drilling could meet no more than 10% of European gas demand by 2030. The fact is that any long term damage to our environment would be irreversible, as we see now in America with hundreds of abandoned wells.

We strongly believe we should be listening to the views of local people and the evidence in relation to health and safety and that our duty as a council is to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents and oppose fracking and coal bed extraction of methane gas in Trafford.

Further to Minute No. 32 of the meeting held on 16 July 2014, it was moved and seconded that:

“This Council opposes changes to the trespass laws in the Queens speech which will allow companies involved in fracking, which pumps water and chemicals in to shale rock deep underground to release methane gas, to drill under homes without needing permission.

These laws hastily changed at the same time as a recent poll showed 75% public are opposed to fracking.

Public concerns raised include risk of earth tremors, contamination of ground and surface water, release of greenhouse gases and noise pollution for residents living in the vicinity. All these are genuine concerns, whilst at the same time it is recognised that the most optimistic forecast suggest that shale drilling could meet no more than 10% of European gas demand by 2030. The fact is that any long term damage to our environment would be irreversible, as we see now in America with hundreds of abandoned wells.

We strongly believe we should be listening to the views of local people and the evidence in relation to health and safety and that our duty as a council is to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents and oppose fracking and coal bed extraction of methane gas in Trafford.”

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

“Public concerns about fracking, that is the hydraulic fracturing of shale rock to recover gas and oil, include the risk of earth tremors, contamination of ground and surface water, the release of 'greenhouse' gases and noise pollution for residents living in the vicinity.  All these are genuine concerns, and the public remains divided on the merits or otherwise, of ‘fracking’. 

Consequently, in considering any future 'fracking' applications (of which none have so far been received in Trafford), this Council believes that we should listen to the views of local people, and the evidence in relation to health and safety, as it is our duty to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents. In addition, Council notes that all planning applications are considered in accordance with procedure which includes the views of residents.

The Council will not be supportive of ‘fracking’ until such time as satisfactory evidence or beneficial community interest can be provided to allay public concerns.”

The mover and seconder of the Motion signified acceptance of the amendment, subject to intensification of the Council’s opposition to fracking in the final paragraph. The mover and seconder of the amendment also signified their consent to the alteration of the amendment as follows:

“Public concerns about fracking, that is the hydraulic fracturing of shale rock to recover gas and oil, include the risk of earth tremors, contamination of ground and surface water, the release of 'greenhouse' gases and noise pollution for residents living in the vicinity.  All these are genuine concerns, and the public remains divided on the merits or otherwise, of ‘fracking’. 

Consequently, in considering any future ‘fracking' applications (of which none have so far been received in Trafford), this Council believes that we should listen to the views of local people, and the evidence in relation to health and safety, as it is our duty to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents. In addition, Council notes that all planning applications are considered in accordance with procedure which includes the views of residents.

The Council is opposed to ‘fracking’ until such time as it can be proved to be safe.”

Consequently, the amendment, as altered was agreed with the unanimous consent of the Council and as such, the substantive Motion was declared carried.

RESOLVED: That public concerns about fracking, that is the hydraulic fracturing of shale rock to recover gas and oil, include the risk of earth tremors, contamination of ground and surface water, the release of 'greenhouse' gases and noise pollution for residents living in the vicinity.  All these are genuine concerns, and the public remains divided on the merits or otherwise, of ‘fracking’. 

Consequently, in considering any future ‘fracking' applications (of which none have so far been received in Trafford), this Council believes that we should listen to the views of local people, and the evidence in relation to health and safety, as it is our duty to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents. In addition, Council notes that all planning applications are considered in accordance with procedure which includes the views of residents.

The Council is opposed to ‘fracking’ until such time as it can be proved to be safe.