COUNCILLORS have approved an application by UK firm Third Energy to frack for shale gas near the village of Kirby Misperton, North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire County Council's planning committee voted in favour by seven votes to four.

Coun John Blackie and Coun Robert Packham voted against and criticised what they said was the failure of the report to highlight the socio-economic impact of the plan.

Speaking afterwards, Richard Flinton, North Yorkshire County Council's chief executive said: “This has been a very difficult decision for the Council to make and we know it is a difficult decision for the people of this county.

“We are proud of our beautiful county which attracts so many visitors and maintains a thriving tourism industry.

"We have no intention of jeopardising those qualities and our rural industries and livelihoods. For that reason the planning conditions must be fully discharged and monitored.

"In this case there has already been drilling for gas on this site over many years.

"The decision taken today does not have a bearing on future decisions.

"Each application of this nature will be decided upon based on its own merits.”

However, Simon Bowens, Yorkshire and Humber campaigner for Friends of the Earth, called the decision "an absolute travesty" but added "the battle is very far from over."

“Today seven out of 11 North Yorkshire county councillors voted to approve this fracking application in Ryedale, ignoring the objection of Ryedale District Council itself, as well as thousands of local residents and businesses," he said.

"Despite this decision, public support for fracking is plummeting as Wales, Scotland and countries across Europe have suspended it. The risks to people’s health and the environment are unacceptable and we will fight on.”

Daisy Sands, Greenpeace's head of energy campaign also hit out at the committee's decision.

“Given the pro fracking bias from central government, there was an air of inevitability about this bitterly disappointing decision," she said.

"It is striking that the overwhelming number of speakers giving evidence at the two-day hearing were against fracking and Ryedale Parish Council voted against fracking at its back door, but North Yorks Council has overlooked this and the many, many concerns that were raised locally.

"But this isn’t over and people will continue to raise their very valid concerns and keep fighting against fracking because it will industrialise the beautiful Yorkshire countryside and contribute to climate change.”

United Kingdom Onshore Oil and Gas, which represents the onshore oil and gas industry, has welcomed the move.

Spokesman Ken Cronin said: “UKOOG welcomes the decision that has been taken today by North Yorkshire County Council, which helps to dispel many of the misleading claims that have been made about this application, as well as the process of hydraulic fracturing more generally.

"We look forward to Third Energy being able to conduct a test to see how much gas is under this area of North Yorkshire to power and heat homes and businesses.”