Kirkby Brook decision day set

Apr 24 2009 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

PREPARATION work for Everton FC and Tesco’s joint superstore and stadium project in Kirkby will go before planners in 10 days’ time.

The plans to divert Kirkby Brook will be scrutinised by Knowsley Council planning committee on Wednesday, May 6.

Opposition groups have been angered that the plans have come this far, as Destination Kirkby is still in the hands of the Secretary of State Hazel Blears.

No decision is expected on the recent public inquiry until November 27 at the latest.

Kirkby Residents Action Group formally objected to the application as they believe it goes against a government ruling that nothing related to the £400m bid should go ahead until a decision is made.

But Nick Kavanagh, director of regenera-tion at the council, said: “I’ve had the Government Office North West approval to determine this application.

“Contrary to popular opinion, I’m not looking to make things easy for Tesco. This application will stand or fall on its own merits.”

He said that the benefits of clearing virulent Japanese knotweed had to be balanced against the loss of 10 trees.