The Scottish Government has said it will object moves that will remove the right of householders to oppose fracking companies drilling underneath their homes.

The proposals are coming from the UK Government, which would allow companies to drill below people's land – without negotiating a right of access beforehand. Firms would be automatically give access rights to residential areas, but only for drilling at a depth of more than 1,000ft.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has now spoken out about the proposals and said that any such decision should be made in Scotland at Holyrood, rather than at Westminster.


He said: "The Scottish Government believe that there should be an evidence based, cautious and considered approach to unconventional oil and gas, and that all of the decisions taken about it should be taken by the people of Scotland, through the Parliament and Government they elected.

"UK Government proposals to remove the right of Scottish householders to object to drilling under their homes flies in the face of that approach and that is why we object to them. It is also fundamentally an issue affecting land ownership rights.

"The gung-ho approach of the UK Government to the whole issue of unconventional oil and gas – often without any consultation with the Scottish Government at all – contrasts with our approach.

"Whatever your view on the issue of unconventional oil and gas – and it is clear that there are both opportunities and concerns – there is only one way that the people of Scotland can determine the approach in Scotland – including beneath their homes and land. That is to take the power to deal with this issue away from Westminster and that can only be done with the powers of independence."

(JP/MH)