In his report, Mr Wallis said: “Sefton is not alone in its concerns. St Helens, West Lancs and Lancashire County Council have all expressed similar reservations.”

It is thought Liverpool decided to act alone because its concerns are about the impact Destination Kirkby will have on the city centre, rather than just rival high streets.

West Lancashire District Council said last night: “The first reason is mutual interest.

“St Helens, Sefton and West Lancs are all local planning and regeneration authorities, and we are concerned about the adverse impact on retail centres in our areas of the huge over-development that is proposed at Kirkby. Lancashire County Council also shares this view.

“The second reason is that, like all right-thinking local authorities, we are looking for efficiency, effectiveness and economy. If we were all to mount separate defences of our position the cost to the public purse would be astronomical.”

benschofield