Government calls for a public inquiry into the 拢400m project
Everton Football Club has insisted its plans for a new 拢400m stadium in Kirkby are not dead despite the government鈥檚 decision to call in the project for a public inquiry.
The Department for Communities and Local Government announced the move on Wednesday, saying it was the 鈥渙nly appropriate decision鈥�.
A spokesperson said: 鈥淲e recognise that there have been strong views expressed about this complex proposal.
鈥淢inisters thought long and hard about the case and decided the only appropriate decision was to call it in.鈥�
It is thought the move could delay the planning process by more than a year but the club insists it is not the end of the project.
It said: 鈥淚t is important to stress that this decision does not spell the end of the Destination Kirkby project. But it will, self-evidently, precipitate a period of reflection, assessment and re-evaluation.鈥�
The proposed development, a joint venture between Everton FC and Tesco, includes a 55,000-seat stadium, Tesco store, hotel and 50,000m虏 of shopping space.
Knowsley council backed the scheme in June but neighbouring Liverpool council has objected to the club leaving the city and says alternative sites are available.
The inquiry is expected to be held within the next year.
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