A COUNCIL chamber packed with around 100 anti-fracking demonstrators resounded with a cheer this evening as Ryedale District Council decided to vote against the plan to frack at Kirby Misperton.

The council voted on a motion by Cllr Fiona Farnell to object to the proposal, which was seconded by Cllr Lindsay Burr MBE.

It was carried with seven votes for, one abstention and two against - though it is thought these were the result of pushing the incorrect button.

The council voted after a lengthy period of questions and debate, with statements by people both against and for fracking, including Third Energy's operations director John Dewer.

The District Council decision will now inform the County Council's decision which will follow in a matter of weeks.

The County Council are the ultimate arbiters of the decision.

The council chamber was packed with protestors, many of whom had to sit on the floor or stand against the walls.

Frank Colenso, one of the anti-fracking protestors, said: "This is about keeping Ryedale rural, instead of industrialised, that's one facet of it. There are many others of course, whether it's environmental related issues, climate change, the fact that this is a ponzi-scheme, and the fact that the whole process is pretty undemocratic the way the Government are trying to drive it through.

"We should be investing the £100 billion this is going to cost in renewables, the energy of the future.

"It was very brave of the councillors. They've taken a lot of time to consider the issues and to fully understand it.

"It's a very good decision for Ryedale."

Though there were around 100 anti-fracking demonstrators there, other points of view were also represented.

Lorraine Allanson, a resident who gave a pro-fracking statement at the meeting, said: "It's not unexpected. But the council are only a consultee, and there are a lot of consultees involved with the whole application.

"It's North Yorkshire County Council that actually make the decision, and I'm hoping they're going to make a positive one, so we have a positive future for Ryedale, for our young people.

"If this industry developed we could actually train youngsters, there would be high paying jobs. They could look forward to remaining living in this area.

"This area is one of the worst in the country for earning the living wage. That's nothing to be proud of.

"A lot of people who are objecting are quite mature, but we need to think of the young people, to give them opportunities here."