PROTESTORS battling plans to build houses on a World War One memorial field have reacted with anger to a move they fear could pave the way for developers.

Ingleborough Fields in Tranmere has been protected for decades by a covenant restricting use to sports and leisure.

But now this is to be “reviewed” by Wirral Council.

Tranmere Rovers FC, who use the field for training, submitted controversial plans to build nearly 100 homes at the site earlier this year.

If councillors on the ruling cabinet overturn the covenant, the club hopes to then sell off the former Birkenhead Institute site to developers in a multi-million pound deal.

Opponents believe the sale will mean the loss of the field's commemorative nature. The plot is bordered by 88 trees – one for each of the school’s old boys who died in the Great War – and contains a plaque dedicated to their memory.

The review has sparked outrage among the scheme's protesters including fans of Wirral's illustrious wartime poet Wilfred Owen, who attended the Institute.

Dean Johnson, who runs the Wilfred Owen Story permanent exhibition in Argyle Street, Birkenhead, said: "This is very worrying. We're concerned that if the council removes this restriction, will it then make it easier for Tranmere Rovers to be granted planning permission?

"In an ideal world, Tranmere would have their application to build these homes rejected.

"But even if that happens, once the covenant has been removed, will it then not create an open cheque book for future developers to come in?

"The club needs the cash so I doubt they would turn down a big money deal from these huge corporate companies."

Tranmere Rovers acquired the land from Wirral Council during the 1990s.

The club's application has not yet been before Wirral's planning committee after several delays, but if it is approved, the sale of the Ingleborough Road land would be used to redevelop the local authority-owned Woodchurch Leisure Centre as a facility for the League One football club and the community.

Plans include several new football pitches, a cafe bar and a health and fitness suite.

The club's supporters trust backed the scheme, saying it was in the interests of the community the plans go ahead.