COUNCILLORS were due to meet today to discuss controversial plans to drill for methane gas on green-belt land

Greenpark Energy, the company behind gas-powered electricity plants in Hem Heath, near Trentham, and Cocknage Road, Longton, has asked for permission to conduct exploratory drilling at two farms near Tittensor.

Two decades' worth of gas could be extracted from the land if drilling is allowed.

If approved, there would be four phases to work carried out at Groundslow Farm, west of Cumberstone Wood.

The first would see the site prepared, then five weeks would then be spent drilling a 1,400 metre (4,593ft) borehole so testing could take place.

If the site was not gassy enough, the hole would then be plugged and the site restored.

But if gas production was possible, the site would become a production hub connected to the national gas network.

The plans will be discussed by Staffordshire County Council's planning committee today.

Officers have recommended the scheme be approved.