Michael Fellows, who is leading the campaign to save 100 acres of farmland next to the Northwich bypass, said the proposals were unpopular and unnecessary.

"I'm very pleased with the way the day went," he said. "We undoubtedly got a fair hearing which I think is the most important thing.

"I thought the inspector seemed to be sympathetic to our views and to our case. I think I got all our points across and I don't think Vale Royal had answers to them at all."

Mr Fellows, the chairman of Lostock Gralam Parish Council, told the public inquiry into Vale Royal's future planning policy, that 90 per cent of villagers opposed plans to earmark the Long Wood site for a distribution centre even bigger than Morrison's.

He said development would destroy a rural area and cause chaos on the A556 and surrounding roads, with journeys rising by a quarter - every day.

And he said that in an area of low unemployment, the creation of jobs would mainly benefit people from outside mid Cheshire.

"Never have I got the response from the public that I did over this issue," said Mr Fellows.

"I think what the people wanted was for their voice to be heard and it was a very strong feeling on their part."

Borough planners want the Long Wood site to be developed at the same time as the nearby derelict Octel site. Lostock Parish Council also wants to see the former ICI works redeveloped but believes the Long Wood site should be left alone.

The council wants to build the warehouse to fulfil Government policy which says there has to be at least three warehouse sites available in the North West at any one time.

Richard Ellison, of Vale Royal's planning department, told the inquiry the development would be the borough's contribution to the region.

"It will provide some jobs," he said. "But it enables Vale Royal to contribute to the establishment of a successful regional economy."

Macclesfield Borough Council gave their objections to the proposals yesterday, Tuesday. It argued the development would have an unacceptable impact on Plumley Lime Beds and the greenbelt land which borders the site.

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