The facility, at Tirley, near Tewkesbury, would have been part of a ring handling 20% of the nation's gas.

The scheme, which would include a dozen 28ft high chimneys, attracted 986 letters of objection, with locals fearing the open countryside would be ruined.

Planning officers had recommended that the scheme was approved, saying the national need for such a facility outweighed any environmental damage.

However after a visit to the site yesterday, Tewkesbury borough councillors refused to grant permission for the scheme.

If the application had been approved by the council, it would have been referred to the Government for a final decision but the committee’s refusal decision means this will not now happen.