Artist's impression of Everton's new stadium & shops in Kirkby _320
Everton had already lost out on planning permission for housing on their former Bellefield training ground in West Derby, leaving a £10m hole in their stadium budget, the inquiry heard.
Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and West Lancs councils all claimed Destination Kirkby “hijacked” the proper development process.
But the developers Everton and Tesco did not waiver. Instead, they dubbed the project a Once in a Lifetime Opportunity – in capitals.
Up to now, there has been no Plan B even contemplated.
Knowsley officials will have to think again, as the expected 500,000 sq ft of retail would have lifted Kirkby from 11th in the regional shopping table to 4th.
Everton will also have to assess the rationale behind Denham’s rejection before deciding whether to opt for legal action or consider other options at Goodison, or possibly even with city rivals Liverpool.
