AS we have said before, it would be shortsighted for Britain to overlook the economic benefits to be had from fracking.

There is no hiding from the fact that it is going to be a controversial process but it will also be a valuable source of future jobs, not least here in the North-East.

But at the same time as acknowledging the economic potential of fracking to be part of our energy mix, it is also vital to underline the need for economic concerns to be taken properly into account.

The Government yesterday unveiled new guidance, making it clear that applications for fracking in national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, and world heritage sites should be refused except in “exceptional circumstances and in the public interest”.

The reality, of course, is that the Government could never have taken any other position without igniting a blue touch paper of public opposition which would have been electorally explosive.

Nevertheless, we welcome the fact that the most beautiful parts of the country – including the North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park – will officially have the special protection they deserve.

Environmental campaigners, including Greenpeace, have expressed concerns that the new guidelines allow for communities secretary Eric Pickles to overrule local authorities which reject an application.

Mr Pickles is not known for his sensitivity and diplomacy but it is very difficult indeed to see what exceptional circumstances and public interest justification there could be to inspire him to trample over a local authority’s decision to protect our most beautiful countryside.

There is a time and a place for fracking. The time is now – the place remains very much open to debate.