A public inquiry into plans to retain an existing well and access road in North Lincolnshire for long term commercial oil production has started today.
A separate application to retain the site at Wressle for a further 12 months is also being discussed.
The inquiry, taking place at Grange Farm Hobbies Centre on Wesley Road, Scunthorpe, is scheduled to last for six days.
North Lincolnshire Council had previously approved an application from Egdon Resources to carry out exploration work at the site in 2013 - but has now twice rejected applications from the company to retain the well and access road and has once rejected its application to retain the site for a further 12 months.
Alan Evans, speaking on behalf of the council, addressed the inquiry to say if the applications are granted, they would impose an "unacceptable impact on the local residents, the community and the local economy."
He argued that the refusals were justified because of a "lack of information" provided by Egdon and that certain planning requirements had not been met.
"There is no justifiable reason to extend the time period," he said.
"Overall the council submits that all three appeals should be dismissed."
Protesters also attended the inquiry in support of North Lincolnshire Council.
Natalie Hurst said she had been following the case from the beginning.
She said: "We are already seeing the effects of climate change and for the Government to continue with this is insane. I have a child and this is about his future."
She added that she had been a supporter of anti-fracking for around 10 years.
Jean Turner, a member of Frack Free Lincolnshire, was also at the meeting.
She said she was worried about air pollution, water, health, movements in the ground and traffic issues caused by the site.
Richard Glover, speaking on behalf of Egdon Resources, argued against comments made by North Lincolnshire Council.
He said there was "nothing unusual or sensitive about the site" and that no objections had been raised when the council granted permission for exploration work at the site in 2013.
He added that no complaints had been raised during the exploration work, showing that it had been managed in the proper way and that oil and gas remain a significant contributor to UK energy.
"It more sustainable than transporting gas from abroad," he said.
"Significant information was submitted to the council, proceeded by extensive consultation with the council and residents.
"Even more information was submitted on the second application, and a great deal of effort went into making sure concerns were answered.
"Both the refusals in our view are fundamentally flawed.
"In both cases the planning committee did not appear to understand the information submitted or give due regard to it.
"If the planning committee had any outstanding concerns they should and could have deferred the application prior to the determination."