LORD Cowdray mounted the first direct legal challenge this week to any Government move to permit fracking beneath the 16,500 acres of the South Downs he owns.

Solicitors acting on behalf of Lord Cowdray and five West Sussex landowners fired off a letter to Energy Secretary Ed Davey to say their clients will not grant consent to drilling beneath their land.

The letter – also sent to Celtique Energie – warns if the company takes legal proceedings under the 1966 Mines Act to gain access, it will be strongly resisted in the courts.

The warning shot comes days after indications the Government is considering changing trespass law to allow companies to drill under people's homes without the risk of being taken to court. Under current legislation, shale gas prospectors need permission from landowners before drilling under their properties – or must obtain special permission from a court.

For full story, see this week's Herald.