SOMETHING ROTTEN

OLD Trafford cricket ground faces a new battle to carry on as a pop concert venue - and so does Manchester United's home.

Council bosses have written to both cricket and football clubs to tell them they must win planning permission if they want to stage concerts next year.

It follows a landmark ruling after families living near Twickenham rugby ground, which had hosted concerts, challenged the club and it was forced to seek planning consent - which it won.

Trafford council believes the ruling now requires both LCCC and Manchester United to seek planning approval. If either ground loses, they will not be allowed to stage any more concerts.

Coun Pauleen Lane said the council had written to both clubs and said planning applications were expected "within a few months" ahead of any concerts next year. Any applications will involve a huge consultation exercise taking in thousands of residents.

The Move music festival at LCCC and the Bon Jovi concert at the United ground will go ahead and will not require planning permission, she said.