THE campaign against plans for a substation the size of three rugby pitches is gathering pace.

Residents furious at a scheme by the National Grid and Network Rail to build the massive development on green belt land off the A49 and the B5153 between Weaverham and Acton Bridge have been finding out how best to fight the proposal.

Members of Acton Bridge and Weaverham parish councils, the Weaverham Trust and Vale Royal borough councillor Anne Hooker, met Colin Williams - the planning control manager of Vale Royal Borough Council - on Friday to discuss the planning process, and the environmental problems which the development could cause.

Group spokesman Steve Pardoe, a member of Acton Bridge Parish Council, said: 'Mr Williams gave us a clear and forthright statement of the planning process and the legal position, and we were given ample opportunity to ask detailed questions in a very productive and co-operative session.

'There is a strong presumption, as long-standing national policy, against any such developments on green belt land. National Grid wants to ride roughshod over these established planning rules, but will have to demonstrate, using rigorous technical arguments, that this development is essential and that this location is the only possible one, despite the suspicions of local people that such an exceptionally inappropriate and visually intrusive site has been chosen simply on grounds of convenience and cost.'

Campaigners believe an application for the 205m long and 92m wide substation on land between the B5153 Station Road and the railway line could be submitted as early as next week.

Under the scheme, two 100-ton transformers will take electricity from the National Grid's 400kV power lines to a track-side 'feeder station', where it will power Virgin Trains's high-speed West Coast Main Line Pendolino services, which will not call at any railway station in the Northwich area.

Weaverham resident Glen Gidley said the village would not benefit from the plans.

He said: 'People from Network Rail have told me quite categorically that there is no local benefit whatsoever. If it brought benefits to the area, such as jobs or money - or even trains we could get on - then you could see some sense in it.

'But as it is there can be no benefits to Weaverham or Acton Bridge residents at all. Many have moved here because they like the kind of environment we have, and having this kind of monster on the doorstep will destroy it.'

Cllr Pardoe added: 'The consultation event in Weaverham last month was seen by many as a cynical PR exercise, and the brochure presented there seemed to be a done deal.

'Acton Bridge Parish Council, Weaverham Parish Council and the Weaverham Trust will be co-operating and co-ordinating a vigorous response to the National Grid proposal.

'We plan to hold both private and public consultations with the intending developers, so that as many residents as possible can appreciate the full extent of this outrage, and make informed representations to their local and national politicians.'

A campaign website has been set up at www.nopylon.co.uk, and is attracting widespread support.