How Everton FC’s new stadium scheme for Kirkby played out blow by blow

DECEMBER, 2006: Everton FC chief executive Keith Wyness signed an exclusive deal to build a stadium in Kirkby.

February, 2007: Everton FC submit stadium plans to Knowsley.

July, 2007: Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley called the plans “a cow shed in a small town”.

Aug, 2007: 59% of 36,000 Everton fans back plans in club ballot.

Jan, 2008: Sefton council announced it plans to officially object to the plans.

April, 2008: Kirkby grandmother Dot Reid put a compulsory purchase order on Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy’s Hertfordshire home.

May, 2008: Tesco slashed the shopping element in Destination Kirkby by 25%.

June, 2008: Knowsley planners granted planning permission for the £400m move to Kirkby by Knowsley.

June, 2008: Opponents organise a car cavalcade in Kirkby.

July, 200: Walton MP Peter Kilfoyle got behind Everton’s plans.

July, 2008,: Everton chief executive Keith Wyness quit his job at Goodison.

August, 2008: The Government calls in plans.

Oct, 2008: Everton and Tesco will insist on financial secrecy at inquiry.

Nov, 2008: A public inquiry started into the sale of Everton’s former training ground at Bellefield.

Jan, 2009: Everton lost Bellefield inquiry.

Feb, 2009: Destination Kirkby inquiry ended.

Mar, 2009: The Planning Inspectorate said the decision would be around Nov 27.

May, 2009: Plans to carry out work on Kirkby Brook granted to prepare the way for the stadium development.

July, 2009: Knowsley council fast tracked a wholesale buy-out of Kirkby town centre which West Lancs MP Rosie Cooper condemned.

Aug, 2009: A colony of water voles threatened to delay the £400m move as they have to be shifted before they hibernate.

Oct, 2009: Voles move out.

Nov, 2009: Decision to refuse announced.