A DECISION on whether to allow fracking yards from the top attraction in Yorkshire and the North-East has been postponed again.

The delay over Third Energy's proposals to hydraulically fracture for gas near Flamingoland at Kirby Misperton, follows North Yorkshire County Council receiving further information from the firm upon which it is obliged to undertake public consultation.

As the latest consultation is set to last two more weeks, the authority's expected decision deadline of February 9 will not be met.

A council spokesman said: “There remains information outstanding required in order to finalise a report to members to determine the application.

"Third Energy has been made aware of the position of the council. If further information is received, this may necessitate further consultation.”

A spokesman for Third Energy added: “We hope that we can now move to a speedy determination and that local communities and the country at large can benefit safely and without undue impact on the environment from the opportunities afforded by shale gas exploration.”

The Environment Agency has said it is minded to award the necessary permit to frack at the site, though it also recently extended its public consultation until Friday, February 12.