Week 9 Update

They Think It's All Over, It Is Now !!

* It started on November 18th last year, and after thirty six sometimes boring as hell days, the papers were shuffled up, and the tables and chairs packed away. Inspector Wendy Burden called it a day in the Public Inquiry which will decide whether the Blues move to Kirkby or not.

* The Inquiry as we soon found out was not all about the New Ground. Experts both for and against were called, to discuss subjects ranging form retail floor space, noise pollution, transport infrastructure, parking issues, to name but a few. The Ground it seemed took up only a small proportion of the Inquiry's time. When it was discussed, Everton's new CEO Robert Elstone gave an impassioned plea for the Club's need to see the Kirkby project through. KEIOC the Group opposing the move to Kirkby also gave an excellent account of themselves, as did many residents of Kirkby who were both for and against the Development.

* It is out of everyone's hands now, as The Secretary of State (Hazel Blears) will decide after reading Inspector Wendy's Inquiry Report. A decision is due mid to late June. Wendy stated that she would endeavor to press the result through as quickly as possible, but added that it was 'not a straightforward case and there are a number of complex issues.' With that in mind she hoped to have the report delivered by mid-June. She understood the urgency of the case and she will try to submit an early report.

Article Continues Below

* In the closing statements, Patrick Clarkson QC (Tesco) said; "The fundamentals of this scheme and judgements on them are key. The proposal is to regenerate Kirkby through major development of a football stadium and shops. The need to regenerate is urgent, and of national as well as local significance. The product of redevelopment will resonate nationally given the figure in the region of 3000 new jobs being created.

This is a town that is not performing the role it should be. Expansion allows it to fulfil the role, and to prosper with no deleterious consequences for other towns or the planning regime more generally. The failure to deliver a shop which has planning permission for a decade indicates this and cannot be hidden by a suggestion of inability to assemble land. If the opportunity is good enough the retailers are energetic enough to unlock it.

Alongside the retail improvement is the exciting presence of a new stadium for Everton that will be the landmark to consolidate the new Kirkby in the regional, national and international perception. Kirkby will be a town of importance once the Secretary of State has addressed the issues facing the town. The Inspector is respectfully asked to report to the Secretary of State that planning permission should be granted as a matter of extreme urgency."

* KEIOC in their closing argument stated fifty five points on which they believed the development shoud be refused.

KEIOC said; "As there can be no doubt that a proposal to develop a 50,000 capacity stadium to house a Premier League Club in Kirkby would change the role, status and function of the town as set out in the RSS, and as such should have come through the development plan process, rather than through a planning application, the proposed stadium is also in conflict with significant policies of PPS6. As a result, the Secretary of State is requested to refuse the application.

In closing the Keep Everton In Our City campaign group would like to thank the planning inspectors and the officials at the inquiry for their support, assistance and courtesy shown to our group throughout this inquiry.

Now the real Battle starts, Roll On June.
.

Public Inquiry Index

More Details Here Knowsley Council website