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<p>There are no current proposals for hydraulic fracturing operations in the areas
of Bath or the Cheddar Gorge.</p><p>Planning applications for onshore oil and gas
development (including shale gas) must be subject to consultation with the local community
and with relevant statutory consultation bodies such as the Environment Agency before
the mineral planning authority takes a decision. Any decision must take account of
all relevant planning issues. In this context, the National Planning Policy Framework
states that, when considering the impact of a proposed development on the significance
of a designated heritage asset, local planning authorities should give great weight
to the asset's conservation.</p><p>The National Policy Framework also advises that
any proposed development on land within or outside a Site of Special Scientific Interest,
such as Cheddar Gorge, should not normally be permitted if it is likely to have an
adverse effect on the Site (either individually or in combination with other developments).</p><p>I
can also confirm that there are other regulatory controls which would need to be satisfied
if any application for oil and gas development received planning permission. There
are administered by the Environment Agency, the HSE and the Department. These controls
will ensure that all prospective threats to the environment, or to safety, are effectively
controlled. In particular, the Environment Agency will not permit any activity which
might pose a threat to groundwater.</p><p> </p>
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