Five-month delay before Everton stadium decision

Feb 9 2009 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

EFC Stadium design, Kirkby 12 _200

A DECISION on Everton FC’s plans to build a 50,000-seat 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 straightforward, 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.”

Speaking after the inquiry, the 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.”

The inspector admitted that she would take these appeals into account.

She said: “I do understand the urgency of this matter.