We have... encouraged industry, but in the right place and not where it was going to be a blot on the landscape

Councillor Allan Richardson

The decision at a meeting on Tuesday was loudly cheered by objectors in a packed council chamber.

It overruled a recommendation by planning officers to grant permission for the project near Middlewich.

Members of the county's development regulatory committee voted by five to two, with two abstentions, to accept a motion of rejection from Councillor Allan Richardson.

There had been 4,200 objectors, ranging from local residents to parish, town and borough councils.

The Council for the Preservation of Rural England and Commonwealth War Graves' Commission also wanted the project halted.

'Pollution fears'

Major reasons for the objections were fears of atmospheric and light pollution - in addition to that already generated from the nearby M6 motorway.

Other concerns were over noise, poor access and the effect on the landscape.

Objectors had also voiced concerns about the proposed size and siting of the development close to existing housing and a primary school.

Mr Richardson said: "Cheshire has always jealously guarded its countryside and rightly so.

The local school is near to the disused airfield

"We have also encouraged industry but in the right place and not where it was going to be a blot on the landscape.

"There is a vast opposition to this scheme and a very great amount of real fear amongst the local public about pollution and safety issues."

Later committee chairman, Councillor Steve Wilkinson, said: "In this case the public have expressed overwhelming concern and opposition to the application before us.

"That is a reaction we could not ignore."

Gas would have been pumped in during off-peak periods to be re-sold during peak demand.

'National importance'

Fred Attwater, gas storage manager for Scottish Power, said: "We are disappointed Cheshire County Council felt unable to approve this application.

"We stand by our view that this project is not a departure from the local plan and is of national importance.

"Cheshire County Council has been presented with evidence from industry and independent experts proving the need for UK gas storage.

"Scottish Power will now formally consider its position, however we remain fully committed to this project."