THE Bishop of Winchester has stepped into the row over Saints plans for a new stadium in the heart of Southampton.

It has been revealed that a secret Church of England covenant on the site in St Mary's could throw a spanner into the works in the multi-million pound scheme.

The bizarre twist comes just 24 hours before Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott announces whether the plans for the new Dell should be the subject of a pub-lic inquiry.

The bishop, the Rt Rev Michael Scott-Joynt, now wants urgent talks with Southampton City Council chiefs.

It follows a letter received by the bishop from residents concerned about the Saints proposals, which have been given the go-ahead by Southampton planners.

The Winchester diocese owns the lease for the stadium site on Britannia Road, formerly used by British Gas.

Ethnic minority communities fear matches at the new ground will infringe on their religious freedoms.

A spokesman for the bishop, Stephen Adam, said: "The bishop has received representations expressing concern about the effect the development might have on religious worship by ethnic minorities. He is seeking further clarification on the issue from the City Council."

The Church has leased the site out on a 999-year lease and as such its influence on the development is fairly limited, said Mr Adam.

"But the diocese is considering the application and the conse-quences of it on the land."

There are covenants restricting the use of the land, he added, and the Church's solicitors are in talks with Saints directors.

But he would not reveal any details of the restrictions - though some concerned residents believe these relate to issues like the sale of alcohol and gambling.

Northam resident Michael O'Leary, who wrote the letter to the Bishop, "He really seemed to give my letter good care and attention. I am pleased he is taking it up."

Saints director Andrew Cowan said he had heard nothing of the latest development. City chief executive John Cairns said there had been a private correspondence with the bishop, but there was no meeting planned in the near future.

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