CONTROVERSIAL plans to store 1.2 million tonnes of gas under the Wyre countryside have been rejected by Lancashire County Council.
County Hall planning officials had called for plans by American gas company Canatxx to be turned down.
And the county's Development Control Committee today agreed, with councillors voting 13 to one against the plans.
Click here to see The Gazette's live blog from today's crucial County Hall meetingCanatxx UK said concerns about safety had been addressed regarding its plans to store the gas beneath the River Wyre at Preesall.
But county planning officers said there had been no adequate risk assessment and recommended refusal.
Their report also said the estuary's character would be spoilt.
This is the third time Canatxx has submitted plans to County Hall, and the third time they have been rejected.
Around 9,000 people lodged objection to the scheme.
Canatxx bosses indicated last week they would appeal the decision through a public inquiry if their latest application was rejected.
FULL STORY, SEE THURSDAY'S GAZETTE