FRACKING could take place in large parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight under plans announced today.
The government has given the go-ahead for the controversial technique to be used north of Winchester and in the southern half of the Isle of Wight – subject to the outcome of environmental assessments.
None of the new licences applies to the New Forest – despite this week’s government U-turn allowing fracking to take place in national parks.
Licences for fracking have already been granted for fracking south-east of Winchester and north west of the city, between the M3 and Chilbolton.
Now the controversial activity, which has been linked to minor earthquakes and other environmental problems, could also take place in the Whitchurch and Andover areas of the county.
The government has also given the go-ahead for fracking on the Isle of Wight south of a line linking Freshwater and Sandown.
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