Objectors sent 15,000 letters of objection to save the site at Byley

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt overturned a planning inquiry rejection of Scottish Power's proposals.

Cheshire County Council refused permission planning permission but did not give evidence at the inquiry.

Residents and environmentalists said the storage depot in Byley, near Holmes Place, was unnecessary and dangerous.

'Secure supply'

Local people lodged 15,000 letters of objection but were furious when the county council decided not to put forward evidence against the scheme.

John Edwards of Residents Against Plant (RAP) told BBC News Online, "We have won the science but lost the politics."

He said campaigners were delighted that the inspector had backed their case and said they were "dumbfounded by the government."

The scheme's opponents are to consult with lawyers to see if a judicial review is possible

Opponents of the scheme plan a judicial review

A planning inspector recommended that the scheme at Byley should not go ahead but Mr Prescott has upheld an appeal by Scottish Power.

Mr Prescott and Ms Hewitt have rejected objections that the site was unnecessary citing the need to ensure "security of supply" for the nation's gas.

The storage will be in salt caverns below Byley airfield which is said to have ideal geology for the operation.

Brine will be pumped out and used for chemical manufacture in Runcorn leaving huge voids in the rock to store large quantities of natural gas.

Scottish Power will take in gas when demand is low and sell when it is high.