Everton Kirkby inquiry: Final decision could take months

Feb 7 2009 Richard Down

EFC Stadium design, Kirkby 12 _200

A DECISION on Everton FC’s plans to build a 50,000 seater stadium in Kirkby is unlikely to be made for another four to five months.

Inspector Wendy Burden wrapped up nearly three months of evidence yesterday by explaining how long it would take to make her recommendations to the Secretary of State Hazel Blears.

She said: “Having regard to the time required to complete a report on a case that’s not straight forward and where there are a number of complex issues that have not been resolved, I would expect the report to be delivered by the middle of June.”

The announcement drew some muted sighs around the Kirkby Suite where the inquiry has been held since November 18 last year.

Should the decision go in favour of the plans in June, there will still be a further six week period in which any appeals could be lodged.

The importance of a speedy resolution was emphasised by Patrick Clarkson, QC for Everton and joint applicant Tesco, as he concluded his submissions with a fresh plea for a speedy resolution.

He said: “Planning permission should be granted as a matter of extreme urgency.”

Last night the Everton club spokesman further underlined its case.

Ian Ross said: “It’s self evident that this proposal is time sensitive and we made that very clear in our submissions.

“If we are given the go ahead, we can complete by 2011 as originally intended.”