While St Modwen was having to “marshal” its schemes, Mr Hollis did not agree the Kirkby proposals would leave the Skelmersdale project “dead in the water”.

He went on to say that, if the Secretary of State turned down the Kirkby proposals, she would be aware that there was a chance that neither town centre would be redeveloped.

Mr Hollis also pointed out that he had not yet seen a planning application for the Skelmersdale development, despite the fact correspondence had suggested it would be in before the end of this year. Inspector Ms Burden also asked the main economic experts representing both sides of the case to produce tables setting out the quantitative need for a vast retail park on the edge of the Merseyside town.

Evening sessions planned for inquiry

THE inquiry will get under way again on Tuesday, January 6 at 1pm when Gary Halman, a planning expert for Knowsley, will give his evidence.

It will then run until January 30 and include a series of evening sessions to allow busy residents to get their views across.

Up to the Christmas break, the inquiry has been hearing evidence from Everton FC, Tesco, and Knowsley council. But, from early on next year, the sessions will see opponents of the scheme present their case.

This will be led by the combined authorities and then Liverpool City Council, before moving onto Grosvenor and a series of independent campaign groups representing residents and football fans, and even The Ramblers Association.