FAMILIES are furious after councillors gave a firm the go-ahead to drill for methane gas on greenbelt land.

Staffordshire County Council's planning committee yesterday voted in favour of letting Greenpark Energy carry out exploratory drilling at two farms near Tittensor.

It also voted against making a site visit despite allegations there were inaccuracies in the planning document.

Greenpark, which has gas-powered electricity plants in Hem Heath, near Trentham, and Cocknage Road, Longton, wants to find out if methane gas is present in coal lying under Groundslow Farm and Knowl Wall Farm.

If enough workable gas is found, it could be pumped underground to a gas distribution network and production could last up to 20 years.

But residents are concerned about the floodlighting, noise, height of the drilling rig and lorries driving along Winghouse Lane, where there were several accidents in 2009.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Marsh, who lives at The Mount, Winghouse Lane, next to the site, said he was "amazed" councillors refused to see for themselves.

He said Greenpark stated his house was 236 metres away from the site when it was actually 160 metres and thought a visit would clear up the issue.

He said: "I can't believe they wouldn't even consider it."

Bob Quarmby, aged 61, also of Winghouse Lane, said residents had done everything they could to fight the plan.

He said: "I live on the doorstep and moved to my house from a built-up area three years ago. I paid a lot of money for my property. Now they're turning my back garden into a building site.

"There are about 30 houses in the immediate vicinity. There is going to be a lot of people losing sleep in the evening, because of noise and light.

"There is also traffic issues with the heavy good vehicles. It is a very dangerous lane.

"It is a shame the firm hasn't had the foresight to find an industrial site."

Councillor Peter Davies told the committee he was against a visit, because officers had investigated thoroughly.

He said: "I believe I have had enough evidence to make up my mind."

Councillor Steve Tranter said: "I am against a site visit. I could understand it if it was going to be there for forever and a day."

Councillor Ian Lawson was concerned the drilling would turn a "nice country area" into a "building site."

He added: "We are here to protect the people and not the gas board and all the businesses that will be making money out of these things."

Councillor Ray Easton added: "I am in favour of renewable energy, but it seems we get people who say 'not in my backyard'. But there are sometimes genuine reasons why it should not be in 'my back yard'."

Other councillors raised concerns about the distance the gas would have travel. They were told the distance to the gas grid was 5km and that would take place through pipes laid in grass verges.

David Harper, who spoke on behalf of Greenpark, stressed the firm was currently only testing for gas.