Fast track for fracking bids: Ministers set to be given powers to speed up applications if they are being delayed by councils

‘Fracking sites could be fast-tracked through the planning system under new rules to be announced this week.

Ministers will be given new powers to push through shale gas applications if they are being held up by councils.

It is a response to concerns from ministers that Britain will have to rely on unstable imports and expensive solar and wind power.

Energy Secretary Amber Rudd warned the current system allowed applications to be ‘dragged out for months or even years on end’.’