A BAND of rescued animals in Trafford have had a reprieve after the council's planning committee threw out plans to build new sports pitches at their home.

The Ashton on Mersey Sports and Social Club - which has its base next to the threatened Westfield Farm Animal Sanctuary - had wanted to build a new artificial sports pitch and move two junior ones to the site - as well as construct a new clubhouse.

But Paul Pickford, who lives in Flixton and runs the Banky Lane sanctuary with wife Carole, has long argued against the plans leading to an uncertain future for the pot-bellied pigs and ponies at the farm.

And he spoke at the meeting to fight the scheme after two years of campaigning to keep the plot.

He told the committee: "The club's development would have a massive impact on the Mersey Valley and would mean us moving our animals.

"We have been offered an alternative site but is almost three acres less than we have now.

"It would deprive these abandoned animals of their home that has been here for six years and take away more of the countryside which should be there for all to enjoy - not just the sporty types."

But a spokesman for the club said the plans were a way of boosting the facilities on offer for locals to use and added that refusal would have a dramatic effect on its bid for lottery funding.

And several of the committee agreed with the scheme to improve the club.

Cllr Frank Eadie said: "The reasons for refusal don't stand up at all because I'm not sure how it will detract from the area.

"We are supposed to be supporting sports facilities in Trafford and yet we are putting obstacles in the way of schemes such as this one."

Cllr Brian Rigby agreed, adding: "This is an ideal opportunity for the people in Trafford to get the good sports facilities that they deserve.

"This club has helped youngsters get involved in sport and as a local councillor, I have not had one objection."

But the committee was split on the decision with vice chairman Cllr Phil Gratrix saying: "We have helped this club in the past but I feel that this is an application too far and further intrusion into the Mersey Valley."

Cllr Dave Quayle added: "I have grave doubts about this because of its scale and it will definitely change the countryside forever."