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HALITE ENERGY intends to store a minimum working capacity of 130 million cubic metres of gas underground in 19 purpose-built salt caverns in Preesall and Knott End. The project had been previously refused over a thirteen year period by Lancashire County Council, Wyre Borough Council, as well as by two previous Secretaries of State. The last refusal was on the grounds that Halite had failed to demonstrate the suitability of the geology or provide convincing evidence of the size of the project.

Despite this and united opposition from the local community, the scheme was given the go-ahead on 17th July 2015 by Lord Bourne on behalf of the then Secretary of State. It was passed due to the fact it was a "nationally significant" project. This decision took place behind closed doors on the last day of parliament.

In October 2016 there was another decision taken in Westminster to allow fracking at Preston New Road in Lancashire approximately 14 km away - again against the recommendation of Lancashire County Council and the wishes of local people.

​These two industrial developments so close together cause concern due to the risk of tremors from fracking and the fact that the gas storage is to be sited in an area of land that is still subsiding in places after old salt mining and brine extraction. 

Why is this a problem?

It tramples on local democracy

Local people are overwhelmingly against the plans. Over 10,000 letters were sent in against Halite's plans during the planning application process. In addition over 1,000 people sent postcards to  Amber Rudd (the then Secretary of State) to protest against the decision once it had been taken. Local people know the area best and that this huge industrial development is dangerous given our geology and history, and will negatively affect our community and our environment. The scheme had been rejected at every level over many years, yet still it was passed in Westminster overruling local democracy. 

It's not safe

 The 19 caverns are due to be built on land near old salt mines and brine extraction wells, some of which is still subsiding. The geology has not been proven to be safe.

Too much traffic

 The company has permission for up to 62 lorries a day to go to and from the site, on often narrow country roads, past our schools and homes, during the construction period.

It's bad for the environment

Thousands of tonnes of toxic brine will be pumped out into the Wyre Estuary at Rossell Point in Fleetwood. The Wyre Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and supports the largest area of ungrazed saltmarsh in North West England. Barnaby Sands Marsh is adjacent to the site of any future development. The whole area is part of Morecambe Bay Special Area of Conservation. 

#NoGasStorage