Everton disappointed by stadium decision

Government officials announced that English Everton stadium proposal be called for public inquiry. This process can set back the project, should it continue, by up to one year. The inquiry is to be held within the next year.

"We recognise that there have been strong views expressed about this complex proposal," a spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said.

"Ministers thought long and hard about the case and decided the only appropriate decision was to call it in. "There is a long-established process in place where less than 0.01% of all planning cases are called in. "A case is considered to have more than local significance if it triggers one or more of the call-in criteria such as conflict with national policy, or if it causes national or regional controversy."

The GBP 400 million development plans to seat 50,000 people, and include a Tesco superstore. The stadium is a part of the project to redevelop Kirby town centre, which borders Knowsley (Liverpool's town).

A statement given by Everton said, "It is important to stress that this decision does not spell the end of the Destination Kirkby project - but it will, self-evidently, precipitate a period of reflection, assessment and re-evaluation…We will do all we can to keep the scheme alive and make sure the future of Kirkby is not put at risk."

The project may yet commence, however, for the time being, the club is disappointed.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.