Scottish Power wants to use eight caverns to store compressed gas

Protestors were challenging Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's decision to overturn a public inquiry which rejected the plans.

Scottish Power wants to store compressed gas beneath an airfield in Byley, near Holmes Chapel.

But protestors said the scheme was potentially dangerous.

Charles Berry, Scottish Power's UK executive director, said: "The UK will soon become a net importer of natural gas and Byley will help provide greater security of supply for the entire country, particularly during the winter and at other times of peak demand."

We have to ask, what was the point of a five-week public inquiry, if John Prescott can squash it whenever he likes? Residents Against Plant

The project will involve about six billion cubic feet of gas being stored in up to eight caverns.

Unlike most existing gas storage facilities in the UK, it will be able to be filled and emptied many times each year.

This will make it easier to meet peak demand for domestic gas and gas-generated electricity, the company said.

John Halstead, of Residents Against Plant, said he was disappointed by the decision but thought the judge had "tried to be fair".

He added: "What is wrong is a legal system that allows John Prescott unlimited ability to run the planning system.

'Black day'

"We have to ask, what was the point of a five-week public inquiry, if John Prescott can squash it whenever he likes?

"It's a black day for British democracy."

He said the protestors were considering a further appeal.

The court's decision is the latest twist in a long running battle between local residents and Scottish Power.

Cheshire County Council had refused planning permission initially and a planning inspector also recommended that the scheme be refused.

But this was overturned by Mr Prescott, who upheld an appeal by Scottish Power.