WARRINGTON Borough Council has demanded an ‘illegal’ pub conservatory is knocked down - despite being popular with Warrington Wolves fans on match days.

An online campaign has been launched to ‘save’ the new conservatory at the King’s Head pub on Winwick Street.

However, the building is listed and owner Andy Fannon did not get planning permission for the large extension.

Pete Astley, assistant director for regulation and public protection, said: “The council works hard to protect the heritage of the town and ensure that any changes or development of its listed buildings, such as the Kings Head, meets stringent planning requirements.

“This extension, which we believe adversely impacts on the character of the building, was built without planning permission and is therefore illegal and needs to be removed.

“The owner of the King’s Head has appealed against the enforcement notice.

“The matter will now be decided by the Planning Inspectorate.

“We cannot have one rule for one business and one for another.

“It’s important that we protect our listed buildings.

“The public can rest assured that we will take strong action wherever necessary to protect the town’s heritage against any unscrupulous or unauthorised development.”

Regulars have rallied to protest.

A ‘Save Our Shed’ Facebook page has been created, along with an online petition which has more than 130 signatures so far.

Andy, who took over the pub in 2011, said he did not realise planning permission would be needed.

“The council came down and said you shouldn’t have done that, and I said fair enough, I’ve made a mistake,” he said.

“They said I have to take it down, but it’s a great addition to the area, and it’s doing no harm.

“I didn’t know I needed planning permission for the car park area, so I was naive.”

The landlord, who says he has spent £100,000 on refurbishing the King’s Head since taking over, is still hoping for a positive outcome.

He added: “We will do whatever the council wants retrospectively, but they say it’s out of character with the rest of the building.

“I’m all for keeping our listed buildings, but it has got to be financially viable.”