I think the problem with fracking is that too many people compare it with the US. Its a completely different operation over there to here, just like coal mining.
Their mines can obliterate huge swathes of land, where ours were a little more inconspicuous.
SO, bringing it closer to home, take a look at this fracking site in nearby Elswick. Its been operating since 1993. Yes, 1993, when it was set up by British Gas.
http://www.cuadrillaresources.com/our-sites/locations/elswick/There's been no death, destruction or pollution in the 23 years its been operating.
Same with the other fracking site in Warrington.
Much of the protests against fracking is because of the increased road usage, not the pollution. The overturned application was originally denied because:
it would cause an increase in traffic which would result in “an unacceptable impact” on rural roads and reduce road safety.
But the protesters will make any claims to back up their case. They were even saying that the towers would blight the area - totally ignoring the fact that Blackpool Tower and the rollercoaster are huge structures in the vicinity, not forgetting the massive aerials of the Inskip submarine communications base!