RAIL bosses have until May to decide whether to appeal over their plans to build a massive substation in the heart of Northwich's Green Belt.

Vale royal Borough Council threw out an application from Network Rail (NR) and National Grid (NG) in November to build a substation the size of three rugby pitches on farmland between Acton Bridge and Weaverham to power the next generation of high speed trains on the West Coast Main Line.

Until recently, applicants who had a planning application turned down by the local authority had three months to consider whether to appeal - forcing a public inquiry - but a change in the law means NR and NG now have six months from the decision date to decide on a challenge.

As the council made its decision on November 23, it gives the two companies until May 23 to announce their intentions. That leaves campaigners including members of the Substation Action Group (SAG) with a lengthy wait to see whether or not their efforts have been in vain.

As of yet, a spokeswoman for NR which will make the decision about whether to appeal, says the company has not made up its mind. Lesia Kozlowsky told the Chronicle: 'We are still open to appeal but we are looking at a number of options as to what we can do if we don't build it at Weaverham. This will include whether it is possible to make the connection we need to the West Coast Main Line at any other site and the cost implications.'

Vale Royal's decision forced NR to look at options it had already ruled out, including upgrading a substation in Crewe or extending one in Frodsham. But NR warns the huge cost implication could mean it will appeal against the Weaverham/Acton Bridge decision.

SAG spokesman Steve Pardoe said: 'SAG still hopes to persuade the applicants to look elsewhere.