The company has appealed directly to the Scottish Government to hear its case while planners at two local councils, Falkirk and Stirling, weigh up what one described as a "complex planning application".

The plans have raised a range of environmental concerns and attracted public opposition. A decision on the application has been delayed by four months so far, with no sign yet when a view will be taken.

Dart insists its proposals do not involve fracking, a controversial technique that involves the use of drilling and injecting fluid at high pressure to open up fissures in rocks, allowing natural gas to be extracted.  MORE