This picture overlays Cuadrilla’s proposed Preston New Road site with United Utilities pipeline work. The site and access track will cover a large area of two fields. 190m of hedgerow and two trees will have to be removed to establish the road access. Access westbound on the A583 will be at the east end of the existing lay-by. The applicant proposes to use part of the central hatched area in order to create a right turning lane for vehicles entering the site from the east.
A crushed stone track of approximately 170m would be laid with cattle crossing grids incorporated at intervals along it. The last 20m of the track at the junction with Preston New Road would be tarmac to improve durability and control rutting for turning vehicles entering the site. Fencing and series of entry gates and compounds would be installed at the mouth of the access track for site security.
The wide strip of field running west will be used for access to the gas grid. The connection would be located on this strip, approximately 800m west of the development site. It is likely that the entire area outlined will be fenced in to form one massive compound. Details from Appendix 1 Proposed Works and Appendix 15 Transport/Access Issues p65.
United Utilities say it’s ‘Unfortunate’ that their Preston New Road works are so close to Cuadrilla’s proposed fracking site at Preston New Road. So close that parts of the United Utilities work site and Cuadrilla’s proposed fracking site actually overlap (see site plan). It is probably also a coincidence that United Utilities happen to be in line to supply Cuadrilla’s proposed fracking operation with water (if it receives permission on the 30th April). For more about United Utilities works see community group RAFF’s page here… and to object to Cuadrilla’s imminent fracking application, Click here…