A RELIGIOUS organisation that submitted a planning application to open a lodge in Stretford has pulled out at the 11th hour.

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University had planned to take over empty Grade II listed Rylands Hall in Edge Lane, where their members would have lived, meditated, and studied the teachings.

The application, marked for approval by planning chiefs, was due to be heard by Trafford’s planning committee tonight.

Eight residents had objected to the plans on the grounds of potential noice, disturbance and parking problems in the area.

Spokesman Rosemary Turberville told Messenger that the group had decided not to go ahead with its plans for the building.