The challenge, due to be heard in High Court in Manchester, is the latest attempt by residents to fight the development of shale gas in their area.

The action follows the government’s decision to overturn a local council rule, which initially rejected the application from Cuadrilla Resources to frack at a site off Preston New Road, in Lancashire.

Cuadrilla appealed this decision and won the approval of UK Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, who is also expected to give permission on a nearby second site, Roseacre Wood, “if certain additional conditions are met”.

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