media watch 4, page-38

Dart Energy (West England) Limited have applied to the Environment Agency for permission to dig an exploratory bore hole to test the land, on Long Lane, north of Upton Grange, for coalbed methane.

While Dart Energy only has permission to explore the suitability of the site for coalbed methane extraction and have not expressed a desire as yet to extract shale gas from the area, fears have been raised that this could eventually lead to fracking on the site.

A public exhibition was held in Wrexham in November regarding Dart Energy’s plans for similar sites in North Wales.
...
Cheshire West and Chester Council spokesperson, Rachel Ashley, said that Dart Energy had only submitted an application to test the ground at Upton Grange for coalbed methane and that any further drilling would require the appropriate permission.

She said: “The company have submitted an application but it is simply for an exploratory bore hole to test the earth for coalbed methane. There is no application for the extraction of shale gas and, in any case, there would be a new application put in and put through the appropriate consultation processes.”

Full article:

http://www.chesterfirst.co.uk/news/129570/fears-over-gas-test-drilling-in-upton.aspx