CAMPAIGN groups opposed to fracking have launched a fundraising appeal, as they seek a judicial review into the decision to allow shale gas extraction in North Yorkshire.

Frack Free Ryedale and Friends of the Earth are attempting to challenge the council decision to approve plans for fracking at Kirby Misperton by taking the case to High Court.

The groups are waiting to hear whether their application for a judicial review has been successful, but say they will need to raise a substantial amount to fund any legal challenge.

North Yorkshire County Council voted in May to allow what is the first fracking site in the UK since 2011. The approval prompted fierce criticism from many who opposed the decision, saying the move was undemocratic. The plans received 4,375 formally recognised letters of objection and 36 letters of support.

But councillors approved the plans by 7 votes to 4, saying they were satisfied the plans safeguarded the natural environment and that ground and surface water would be protected from contamination.

The legal bid by Friends of the Earth claims the council failed to properly assess climate change and the environmental impact of burning gas extracted to create electricity at a nearby power station in Knapton.

The case will also set out to prove North Yorkshire County Council failed to secure long-term financial protection against environmental damage.

Jackie Cray, a retired vicar from Kirby Misperton, who runs the local parent and toddler group said: “Concerned residents scrutinised the application and some 4,375 people submitted sound evidence to the planning committee against the planning application from Third Energy.

"With 14 parish councils, five town councils and Ryedale District Council against the application or seeking a moratorium and despite all these objections, the seven members of the County Council who passed the planning permission have let the people of North Yorkshire down by failing to address these crucial concerns.”

North Yorkshire County Council’s says its planning committee gave “proper regard” to all material planning considerations before approving the application by Third Energy.

Third Energy says it has been drilling and producing gas “safely and discreetly” in North Yorkshire for more than two decades and will continue to do the same in the future.

Donations can be made via the Frack Free Ryedale website: frackfreeryedale.org or at www.frackfreeryedale.org/donations