A FIELD has been granted a stay of execution from the bulldozers after councillors said they needed more time to see how well it is used.

Barratt Homes wants to knock down the 90-bed YMCA building in Hamnett Court, Birchwood, and build a 40-bed care home and 78 houses instead.

But its plans would see valuable green space, off Ainscough Road, swallowed up and councillors and residents have objected to the application.

And a bid to win village green status for it has also been launched.

"This site has been used by the public for 25 years," said Clr Pauline Nelson.

"It is one of the last green spaces left."

Clr Chris Fitzsimmons said the field was a haven of tranquility - the only one there is in the area' and called for further consultation after criticising the developer for being incredibly secretive'.

Resident Francis Valentine said no-one had consulted the doctors or schools about the impact of hundreds of new people living in the area.

A Barratt representative told the development control committee the company would provide an open space area and children's play area' and said a community consultation found the majority' supported it.

A council officer said the reason the planning department was recommending approval of the plans was due the YMCA's state of dereliction and the anti-social behaviour of the residents'.

And the application was unanimously deferred.