A DECISION on plans for the production of coal bed methane in central Scotland will now be taken by the Scottish Government.

Ministers announced they will make the decision over Dart Energy's appeal for the proposed development at several sites in the Falkirk and Stirling councils' areas.

The government claimed the move is in line with its "cautious, considered and evidence based approach" to unconventional oil and gas extraction.

Planning Minister Derek Mackay said: "Ministers have recalled Dart Energy's planning appeal for the proposed development of coal bed methane production at a number of sites in central Scotland.

"The decision has been taken in light of the considerable public interest in the proposals, as well as its relevance to the implementation of the new recently updated Scottish planning policy. Scottish ministers, therefore, believe there is a national interest that would be best served by further scrutiny of these proposals."

The plans, for which two appeals were initially submitted to the Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) last summer, are for the development of coal bed methane production at 11 locations within Falkirk Council and three within the Stirling Council area.

Friends of the Earth Scotland's head of campaigns, Mary Church, said: "Dart Energy's application for commercial coalbed methane extraction at Airth is the most advanced unconventional gas project in the UK.

"Given the highly controversial nature of this industry and the significance of this particular application as a UK first, it is right that it is determined at the highest level."