THE Environment Agency has said it is "minded" to issue permits to allow fracking at Kirby Misperton, but is launching a second consultation period before making a final decision.

In a statement, the agency said it was inviting residents and interested groups to submit any "new relevant information" on the draft permits for Third Energy’s proposals for shale gas exploration and production.

Its readiness to issue the permits follows its first consultation that closed in August, and a "rigorous environmental assessment of the proposed activities".

Ben Hocking, Yorkshire oil and gas programme manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Our regulatory controls for onshore oil and gas are in place to protect people and the environment. We will not permit activities that pose an unacceptable risk.

"This further stage of consultation gives the public and interested groups an opportunity to see our decision-making process and have their say on the draft environmental permits."

The draft permits set out conditions needed to protect groundwater, surface water and air quality at the KM8 well, and to ensure the safe storage, management and disposal of wastes.

If the permits are issued, Third Energy would have to follow these conditions to ensure that operations do not cause harm to people or the environment.

The Environment Agency added that it would "stringently enforce these conditions".

In a statement, Third Energy said it would welcome the decision the Environment Agency is minded to approve its applications for three permits: mining waste operations, groundwater activities and radioactive substances activities.

John Dewar, operations director at the company, said: "The Environment Agency has been both extremely thorough and professional in their handling of our permit applications for the proposed hydraulic fracturing. Naturally, we are very pleased that they are minded to approve them.

"This is another important step towards having the necessary permissions in place to frack the KM8 well and evaluate the potential of the shale resource to produce gas commercially."

Chris Redston of Frack Free Ryedale said: "We are surprised that the Environment Agency are minded to approve the permits for KM8, given the huge number of objections they received."

Responses to the consultation, which runs from December 2 until January 15, can be made online at consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/npsapp/teuk/third_energy, by emailing PSCpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk or by writing to P&SC – Land Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WF.