Mr Colquhoun insisted he is not against developing the northern docklands but insists the proposals are not in keeping with Liverpool’s built environment.

He also made it clear he does not want Liverpool to lose its WHS but wants to see it better managed.

“I am in favour of developing the area but with a sustainable development like in Amsterdam that builds development around its waterways in a humane manner.”

The terms of reference state that the mission will assess the overall state of conservation and factors affecting the outstanding universal value of Liverpool’s WHS.

It will have “particular regard” to the proposed development of Liverpool Waters with its dense, high and mid-rise buildings.

The inspectors will also examine progress that has been made since the 2006 Unesco mission and the city’s overall development strategies, “existing planning procedures and management systems and their effectiveness for the property and its setting”.

The findings of the mission will be reported to the World Heritage Centre by December 23 at the latest in the report not exceeding 10 pages.

Liverpool has delayed making a decision on Peel’s planning application until after the visit.

Earlier this week the Daily Post revealed a campaign committee has been set up, by Liverpool council and Peel Holdings, to persuade Unesco officials not to strip Liverpool of its World Heritage Site status.