CONGLETON Borough Council has backed residents fighting against plans for a giant gas store near Middlewich.

The decision on whether the planning application for the development at Byley will be granted rests with Vale Royal Borough Council.

But it has asked Congleton's planning committee for its views.

And at a meeting on Monday, November 27, Congleton councillors said that they were "very, very concerned" about the proposals for Byley.

Geoff Allen, head of estates and planning, said: "Members held a lengthy debate on the issue.

"The committee resolved to inform Vale Royal Borough Council that this council views with great concern the proposal by Scottish Power.

"This is on the grounds of visual impact, widespread light pollution at night and the fact that the development is in open countryside."

Congleton's views will now be forwarded to Vale Royal's planning committee.

The proposal is for nine underground cavities for gas storage 650 metres below the ground, an associated processing plant and pipeline linking the plant and the National Gas Transmission System (NTS).

It has been met with strong opposition from Byley residents who have set up an action group to fight the plans.

The group's John Woodhead gave a cautious welcome to the support from Congleton Borough Council.

He said: "It's good that they are leaning towards our views, but they have still not addressed some of the main concerns.

"The only reason Scottish Power has chosen Byley is because this land was categorised in 1993 as derelict land. However, our research shows it was inaccurately scheduled. Our objections have not yet been lodged."