Everton FC given planning permission for Kirkby stadium

Jun 9 2008 By Liza Williams, Daily Post Staff

Artist's impression of Everton's new stadium & shops in Kirkby _320

EVERTON FC'S plan to move to Kirkby has been given planning permission this afternoon.

The £400m scheme which includes a Tesco superstore and 50 shops set over 50,000 sq m of floorspace was approved by Knowsley council's planning committee.

"Destination Kirkby" includes a new 50,000-seater stadium for Everton, a hotel, offices, and more  than 3,500 car parking spaces.

The proposal will now be sent to the Government Office North West where a decision will be made whether to recommend secretary of state for communities Hazel Blears to call a public inquiry in to the matter.
 
Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and West Lancashire councils have opposed the plan because it breaches town centre and retail planning policies.

Officials in Knowsley had advised the planning committee to approve the scheme because the regeneration benefits outweigh the conflict with the policies.

 "The crux of this case is whether the conflicts with policy and the dis-benefits of the scheme  relating to 'town centre and retail' considerations outweigh or are outweighed by the benefits  associated with 'economic and regeneration' considerations," they said in a  report.

"Overall, it is concluded that the development will deliver a number of benefits that will help  address the socio and economic disparities and improve quality of life for the people of Kirkby."

Officials stated that they are "conscious of the planning weight and importance to be attached to  the conflicts with retail and town centre related policies".

"However, it is considered that the immediate need for regeneration to address the severe levels  of deprivation within Kirkby, the recognition that a 'step change' is required and the real benefits that  have been identified to flow from the scheme are such to outweigh those retail/town centre policy  conflicts."