Five-month delay before Everton stadium decision

Feb 9 2009 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

EFC Stadium design, Kirkby 12 _200

“I will do all I can to deliver an early report but, at this time, I can’t give any guarantees.”

Tesco spokesman Michael Kissman said this concession was a positive sign.

He said: “There’s clearly recognition that there’s sensitivities around timing and now we’re just looking forward to getting the resolution through.”

Knowsley council’s leader, Cllr Ron Round, said: “It has been a lengthy and complex planning process, which has caused lots of uncertainty about what the future holds for the town. We are disappointed to have encountered delays in the approval process, but hope that, by following the public inquiry process, all interested parties have had the opportunity to have a final say on these proposals and consider all the facts.”

No other scheme was likely to come forward for Kirkby, Mr Clarkson told the inquiry, given the conditions of the current economic climate.

No other scheme was likely to suit the aims of the club, and no developer other than Tesco was likely to be able to see such a colossal enterprise through, the lawyer argued.

richarddown