AN 'illegal' pub conservatory used by Warrington Wolves fans on match days could remain in place for at least 12 months.

The conservatory at the King's Head pub, Winwick Street, will be allowed a stay of execution if Warrington Borough Council grants temporary planning permission.

It was built without planning permission on what is a Grade II listed building earlier this year, prompting an angry response from the Town Hall.

However, owner Andrew Fannon has requested a 12 month period for the conservatory to remain in place, so a long term solution can be found.

He said: "We have asked for temporary planning consent from the council but I've not heard anything back off them.

"I've had various meetings with various people to resolve the issue, but nothing has come of it yet.

"We are just trying to find a resolution to the situation, but we seem to be stuck in council policy.

"One of their qualms is they have had nothing submitted."

As revealed in the Warrington Guardian, the planning row began in August.

The council said it would 'take strong action wherever necessary to protect the town’s heritage against any unscrupulous or unauthorised development'.

It said any changes to a listed building must meet 'stringent planning requirements', and that there could not be 'one rule for one business and one for another'.

However, a 'save our shed' campaign was launched on Facebook by Wolves supporters, with an online petition also attracting many signatures.

Mr Fannon believes the popularity of the conservatory means it should remain in place.

He said he did not realise planning permission was needed.

The temporary application will be considered by the council's planning committee.

A survey conducted by architecture consultants SDMK Design, believed to have been funded by Mr Fannon, suggests the conservatory will not have a long term negative impact if managed.

In a statement that forms part of the application, it said: "It is hoped that the granting of temporary consent will allow for a period of time to allow the applicants to engage positively with the local planning authority in relation to the erection of an alternative permanent structure, whilst ensuring the applicants can secure income from the extra floorspace and facilities provided by the existing structure to aid in securing a high-quality long term solution."