The 27-page document submitted to Communities Secretary Eric Pickles proposes an impressive board.

Liverpool-born Sir Terry, who already sits on the board of Liverpool Vision, would be joined by Michael Straughan, managing director of Jaguar Land Rover’s Halewood factory; Peter Nears, from Peel Holdings; and Steve O’Connor, from Stobarts transport.

The Mersey Partnership’s chairman Rod Holmes, who oversaw the construction of the £1bn Liverpool One, would also feature on the board if it is given approval.

The submission also calls for extensive freedom to be given to the LEP over the use of public sector resources, including enterprise and business development, skills, housing and transport as well as tourism and culture.

It also requests the government make inward investment a key responsibility of the LEP so it can help UK Trade and Industry identify and inform development opportunities for the City Region.

It includes major projects such as Liverpool Super Port, the Atlantic Gateway, Liverpool Waters and Wirral Waters.

There would also be an emphasis on support for small firms and accelerating business development.