North Yorkshire fracking plan approved

The Yorkshire Post's James Reed has also been covering the meeting.

Here's his video from outside the council offices in Northallerton.

As councillors in North Yorkshire passed proposals to start fracking on a site near Kirby Misperton, the BBC's David Shukman explains just how fracking works:

The police have taken to Twitter to re-issue a warning about behaviour linked to the fracking meeting.

The council have tweeted the official result.

The vote has been passed by seven votes to four in favour of fracking.

Now speaking is Councillor Robert Packham.

He says he is not able to say "hand on heart" that potential risks have been addressed to point where he feels planning permission can be granted.

North Yorkshire County Council/YouTubeCopyright: North Yorkshire County Council/YouTube

Councillor Blackie says the application is "a shot in the dark" and sees no reason why North Yorkshire should be a "guinea pig".

There's a smattering of applause with the chair telling those clapping: "We don't have clapping in these meetings."

Councillor Blackie says there is "no evidence" in the report that fracking would bring jobs to the area.

Councillor Blackie continues to speak about what he believes the effects of fracking could be.

He says that a reputation for tourism takes years to earn "but can be lost overnight" if the application gets the go-ahead.

This was the scene outside as Councillor Blackie made his points against the application and report.

"We have been far too easily satisfied."

Councillor John Blackie is now speaking on the application.

He says the council report relies too much on the applicant's evidence - more so than any other occasion in the last 20 years.

He also says none of Third Energy's 20 years of gas extraction in the area have involved fracking - until now.

Long speech from Councillor Heseltine asking questions about specialist agencies if their views are sound.

He says he can find no sustainable reason to not support the application.

The boos outside from protesters are audible in the hall

Councillor Lee asks if flow back fluid ends in a ditch could it get into surface water? A planning officer says understanding is valves on site capture it.

Councillor Lee asks if the proposed KM8 fracking site in Kiby Misperton is in a flood zone. 

The planning officer says it isn't as it is an elevated area.

Councillor Blackie now asks why the impact of fracking on the local economy is not mentioned in the North Yorkshire County Council planners' report into plans to start fracking near Kirby Misperton?

The planning officer says it's an omission on her part and says she's sorry.

It's very noisy outside County Hall in Northallerton as councillors continue their question and answer session about the proposal to start fracking in Ryedale. 

Councillor Blades asks for legal take on setting a precedent on the decision due to be taken today.

Council QC says other plans would be looked at on merit.

Councillor Blades asks if house price reduction is a civil matter?

Yes, says the legal team - it's not a planning matter.