North Yorkshire County Council approves fracking plan

The decision to allow the proposal to go ahead at a site near Kirby Misperton is a huge shot in the arm for the energy industry's attempts to get a UK fracking industry off the ground.

Protesters who had gathered outside Northallerton's County Hall during the two-day hearing met the decision with shouts of dismay.

More than 80 speakers had told the county council's planning committee of the fears over the possible impact of fracking on water, farming, tourism and the wider environment.

But Third Energy insisted the objections were based on misunderstandings and fearmongering and pointed to its record of mining gas in the area through conventional means.

Campaign groups are likely to consider whether they can seek a judicial review of the planning decision.

Some are also expected to call for direct action at the site at Kirby Misperton to try and prevent the fracking go ahead.