LANCASHIRE County Council planners have asked for more time to consider two proposed exploration sites for shale gas.

Energy firm Cuadrilla is seeking permission to drill, ‘frack’ and test the flow of gas from up to four wells in the Fylde, near Blackpool.

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County councillors were to decide on both applications next month, with fracking to follow next year.

Now planning officials want the decision deadline to go back to December 31 for the one site at Little Plumpton and to January 31 next year for another near Inskip.

Cuadrilla believes the M65 corridor north of Blackburn through Burnley and Colne, has the potential to become a major shale gas resource.

Friends of the Earth’s North West Campaigner Helen Rimmer said: “The applications for major fracking sites have attracted unprecedented opposition.

“It is vital that there is enough time to properly understand the impacts. We believe councillors should refuse these plans.”